Tourism receives a boost from 3 holidays: Occupancy rates reached 90%

In Antalya, where hotel occupancy rates reached 90% due to Easter and Nevruz, reservations picked up momentum with the announcement of a 9-day holiday for Ramadan Eid. Antalya, among the world's significant tourism destinations, hosted tourists from various countries even during the winter season. Thanks to its favorable climate allowing holidaymakers to enjoy the sea and sunbathe, hotel occupancy rates increased during Nevruz and Easter. The extension of the Ramadan Eid holiday to 9 days also had a positive impact on reservations.

"Increase compared to last year"

Kaan Kavaloğlu, President of the Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers and Operators Association, stated that as of March 25th, the number of tourists visiting Antalya this year exceeded 800,000, marking a 17% increase compared to last year. Kavaloğlu emphasized that they have had one of the best starts to the season in recent years, saying, "The harbinger of spring, Nevruz Eid, continues. Nevruz is very important for Iran, Azerbaijan, and Turkish republics. Antalya has become a meeting point for Iranians and Azerbaijanis living both in Europe and in their own countries. We are having a very nice Nevruz period in Antalya. Easter holiday started in Europe this weekend. This encouraged European tourists to choose Antalya. Then the Ramadan Eid holiday was extended to 9 days. The early announcement of this was advantageous, and our Turkish guests are making reservations for the Ramadan Eid."

"Reservations before and after the holiday have also begun"

Kavaloğlu emphasized the early and good start to this season, saying, "Due to the consecutive occurrence of Nevruz and Easter, hotel occupancy rates exceeded 90% in open hotels. The 9-day Ramadan Eid holiday will ensure the continuation of this momentum. Our guests who made reservations only for the holiday days have also started making reservations before and after the holiday."

"Aiming for 17 million tourists"

Saatçioğlu stated that they would start the season with high occupancy rates until May 15th, highlighting that they have received generally high early reservations, especially from Germany. Reminding that they aim to exceed 17 million tourists visiting Antalya this year, Saatçioğlu said, "We expect 20 million people to travel in Turkey during the holiday. I believe that we will receive very serious reservations in Antalya as long as the weather is nice. Currently, 40% of the hotels are open. Compared to last year, we are receiving very serious reservations due to the Ramadan Eid holiday."

"Intense demand from the domestic market delighted us"

Hakan Saatçioğlu, President of the Professional Hotel Managers Association, also mentioned significant activity in hotels, noting a significant movement from Europe due to Easter. Saatçioğlu said, "Planes are coming quite full. About 90% of the planes coming from Europe to Antalya are full, which is very pleasing. There will be activity there as well. After the holiday, there will be a holiday in Russia too. We also expect significant reservations from Russia."