The Rise of Antalya Tourism After Euro 2024
Antalya, a popular tourist destination in Türkiye, is experiencing a resurgence in tourism following the Euro 2024 football championship. Industry representatives have reported a noticeable improvement in the tourism outlook, especially from the European market.
European Market Revival
After a temporary slowdown during the Euros, the European market has bounced back, leading to a surge in occupancy rates in Antalya. Despite the championship being held in Germany between June 14 to July 14, Antalya has seen an increase in tourist arrivals.
Tourist Numbers on the Rise
Known for its sea, sand, sun, and historical attractions, Antalya has witnessed a 12% increase in tourist numbers, surpassing 7.5 million by July 17 compared to the same period last year. Russia has emerged as the top source of tourists, with Germany, the U.K., and Poland following closely behind.
With a target to welcome over 17 million tourists by the end of the year, Antalya is poised to set a new record in tourism numbers, showcasing its resilience and appeal as a top travel destination.
Antalya Tourism Booming After Slowdown Period
Kaan Kavaloğlu, president of the Mediterranean Tourism Hoteliers and Operators Association (AKTOB), mentioned that Antalya experienced a slowdown period following Euro 2024 but has since seen a resurgence in tourism. After a bustling Eid al-Adha holiday, the city recorded one of the busiest Qurban Bayram holidays in recent years.
Antalya Airport also set a record for the number of daily flights, demonstrating the city’s popularity among tourists. Despite a dip in arrivals from Germany during the championship, occupancy rates in Antalya have now exceeded 90% in the peak season.
Kavaloğlu emphasized that the European market has seen a revival, with Antalya currently experiencing a high season. Despite challenges like the bankruptcy of FTI, one of Europe’s largest tour operators, the city’s tourism industry continues to thrive.
Boosting Tourism in Turkey
Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, tourism in Turkey is slowly recovering, with minimal impact. Tourists with reservations were redirected to Turkey through alternative operators, ensuring a smooth holiday experience. Guests who completed their vacations also returned to their home countries without any issues.
Attracting Expatriates
The importance of expatriates from Europe spending their holidays in Turkey was highlighted by Kavaloğlu, who expressed optimism about their increasing numbers. Expatriates often have extended stays, which not only benefits their own holiday experience but also positively impacts the tourism sector. By June, around 600,000 European Turks had chosen Antalya as their vacation destination, a number expected to rise.
“Turks living in Europe also contributed to Euro 2024. Now that the championship is over, they can comfortably plan their vacations. We anticipate a record 1 million expatriates choosing Antalya as their holiday spot this year,” Kavaloğlu stated.
Despite recent reports of lower bookings in the domestic tourism industry, sector representatives remain optimistic about the future of tourism in Turkey.
Turkish Tourists Opting for Greek Islands
Turkish citizens are increasingly choosing to spend their holidays on the nearby Greek islands, according to recent reports. The President of the Professional Hotel Managers Association (POYD), Hakan Saatçioğlu, has noted a decrease in hotel occupancy rates by 5%-8%, but emphasized that this does not mean hotels are empty.
Many visitors to Antalya are not staying in hotels, as some are visiting relatives or engaging in real estate transactions with foreigners. Volkan Yorulmaz, president of the Kemer Region Promotion Foundation (KETAV), also mentioned that the European market has slowed down due to the German government canceling leaves in public institutions during a recent championship.
Yorulmaz, who is also a hotel general manager, explained that many Germans have postponed their holidays due to work commitments. This shift in tourist behavior has resulted in Turkish tourists exploring alternative holiday destinations, such as the picturesque Greek islands.
European Market Expectations
As of July, the European market has been showing promising signs of growth. Experts are anticipating a surge in activity, particularly in the months of September, October, and November. This positive trend is attributed to the continuous influx of expatriates into the region.
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