# Edirne Representative Of The Tourism Hotel Managers Association Can Pekbaş

The interest in Kırkpınar made tourism professionals happy

The century-old organization, which is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List of Humanity, will start tomorrow. Thousands of local and foreign tourists come to the city every year to follow the organization, which is described as the "Olympic of oil wrestling". Kırkpınar, which is more than a sports organization with its traditions and rituals, also provides significant mobility to urban tourism. While those who want to follow Kırkpınar on-site fill the hotels days before, there is also a density in the businesses in the city. "Kırkpınar is not just an oil wrestling event" Edirne Promotion and Tourism Association President Bülent Bacıoğlu told Anadolu Agency (AA) that Kırkpınar is of great importance for urban tourism. Noting that Kırkpınar is not just an oil wrestling organization, Bacıoğlu said, "It is one of the most repeated sporting events in the world after the Olympics. Kırkpınar is not just an oil wrestling event, it is a very important tourism activity that includes many traditions and rituals. Those who feel the excitement of Kırkpınar with its unique feature come to Edirne from different parts of Turkey and the world." "There is a very good audience that follows oil wrestling thematically" Bacıoğlu stated that the excitement of Kırkpınar gripped Edirne. Noting that Kırkpınar provides added value to Edirne tourism, Bacıoğlu said: "There is a very good audience following oil wrestling thematically. Guests from Antalya, Ordu, Sinop, Denizli and many other cities made their plans for Edirne and took action. They made reservations at hotels and restaurants in the city. In every Kırkpınar period, there is an intensity experienced in Edirne. Businesses make their preparations according to the taste of the incoming audience. Wrestlers, their relatives, local and foreign press members and wrestling lovers who come to the city participate in this organization. Kırkpınar is an organization that attracts a diverse group of tourists from 7 to 77." Our city is ready for Kırkpınar Can Pekbaş, Edirne Representative of the Tourism Hotel Managers Association, stated that Kırkpınar activates the city's economy. Stating that the occupancy rate in hotels has reached 100 percent, Pekbaş said, "There are demands for hotels. Especially July 7-9 will be busy. We made our preparations according to this intensity. We will host our guests in the best way and send them off from Edirne. We are waiting for our guests for Kırkpınar. Our city is ready for Kırkpınar. We do not want to victimize anyone in terms of accommodation."