Turkish hoteliers are optimistic about increased tourism in the coming months, driven by Eid al-Fitr, Nevruz, Easter, and school holidays. Türkiye aims for 65 million visitors and $64 billion in revenue this year. With a 15% rise in bookings, occupancy rates are expected to reach 100%, marked by favorable weather and attractive accommodation options.
Representatives of Türkiye’s hospitality sector are anticipating significant increases in both domestic and international tourism over the upcoming months, fueled by holidays such as Eid al-Fitr, Nevruz, Easter, and the school break. The country aims to attract 65 million tourists and generate $64 billion in tourism revenue this year, indicating a strong recovery in the sector.
Eid al-Fitr, slated for March 29 to April 1, coincides with the school mid-term holiday, promoting travel among families. This period traditionally sees millions travel to visit relatives or enjoy resort stays. Prior to Eid, the Nevruz holiday on March 21 is expected to draw many visitors from Iran, the Middle East, and Turkic countries, boosting local tourism significantly.
The Turkish hoteliers’ federation reports a 15% increase in bookings for Eid al-Fitr compared to last year, suggesting a promising start to the 2025 tourism season. Mehmet İşler, TÜROFED vice president, anticipates a full occupancy rate at hotels during this holiday.
Accommodation prices vary greatly, with two-room guesthouses starting at 2,000 Turkish Liras, while five-star hotel rates can reach up to 10,000 liras, inclusive of breakfast. The Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers and Investors Association’s president, Kaşif Kavaloğlu, forecasts a surge of local tourists in resort towns, buoyed by upcoming holidays such as Easter and Russia’s Victory Day in May, indicating ongoing robust tourism activity.
Typically a slow month, March is expected to give way to a busy April for hoteliers. Kavaloğlu highlighted that the peak tourist season in Antalya will begin earlier this year, starting on April 1, coinciding with Eid al-Fitr. Favorable weather conditions with temperatures averaging 22-25°C are likely to increase visitor numbers.
Hotel manager İsmail Çağlar also expressed optimism regarding European bookings for Easter, anticipating continued tourism success into the long holiday season in Russia following the Easter festivities.
In summary, the Turkish hospitality sector is poised for a significant boost in tourism activity due to a combination of several upcoming holidays. With strategic expectations set by hoteliers for increased bookings and full occupancy in hotels, the sector is optimistic about the future. Major holidays including Eid al-Fitr, Nevruz, and Easter are expected to not only attract local tourists but also a substantial influx from abroad, particularly from neighboring regions and European countries.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
