Türkiye's Antalya, one of the world's leading tourism destinations, has already welcomed more than 10 million foreign tourists since the beginning of the year and sector representatives hope the remainder of the season will be boosted by two major large-scale events set to take place in the city.
Antalya hosted more than 10 million foreign tourists between Jan. 1 and Aug. 21, according to data compiled by Anadolu Agency (AA).
The countries leading the list of arrivals were Russia, Germany, and the U.K., traditionally among the top countries contributing to Antalya's tourism.
Meanwhile, hoteliers and the tourism industry continue their preparations ahead of the COP31 climate conference and 77th International Astronautical Congress, with both due to be held in the city this fall.
Hotel occupancy rates in the city are expected to be very high during the two major events.
Kaan Kaşif Kavaloğlu, the head of the Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers and Operators Association (AKTOB), in his remarks to AA, said that the number of tourists declined by about 6% compared to the last year, but that they are continuing their efforts to get through the season as successfully as possible.
Kavaloğlu said that there could be a shortfall of around 1 million tourists by the end of the year, highlighting, however, the importance of the upcoming events.
"We attach great importance to the number of tourists coming to Antalya," he said.
"In October, we will host the 77th International Astronautical Congress at the NEST Congress Center in Antalya’s Belek district. We consider it very important that all stakeholders in this sector will come together in Antalya and Türkiye," he added.
Moreover, he pointed out that COP31, which will take place from Nov. 9 to Nov. 20, will be one of the largest events ever held in Türkiye.
"Under the coordination of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, municipalities, local governments, the private sector, and civil society organizations, we are all working together to ensure that COP31 is successfully completed," Kavaloğlu said.
He similarly said that intensive preparations were underway at the EXPO site for COP31. He described it as a very significant investment for Antalya that would make an important contribution to the city in many different areas.
He explained that COP31 represents a long-term investment in Antalya, adding, "Once COP31 has been held and completed, we will have a tremendous marketing advantage for bringing this kind of event to Antalya in the future."
Ismail Çağlar, a manager at IC Hotels Green Palace and Villas, recalled that they had had a very successful winter season this year, but that wars and geopolitical developments in neighboring countries affected the tourism market later on, during May and June.
Still, Çağlar pointed out that hotel occupancy increased during the peak of the summer season and that current bookings show a positive picture.
"Our occupancy rates increased during July and August. What is different this year is that there has been significant activity in the domestic market," he noted.
"Hotels, particularly in Antalya's major tourist areas, have become completely full," he added.
"Occupancy rates are continuing at this level through the first week of September. At the moment, we are feeling optimistic."
Echoing Kavaloğlu's view, Çağlar similarly emphasized that having the 77th International Astronautical Congress and COP31 taking place toward the end of the tourism season would be important for the industry.
"Very significant numbers of reservations have been made. There has been particularly strong demand for the Belek and Kundu areas," he informed.
"We are eagerly looking forward to these two major events."
