Official May 19 holiday boosts domestic tourism in Turkey

Those who want to go on a four-day holiday by combining the official holiday on May 19, the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, with the weekend have given a boost to the tourism sector. Those who want to go on a short vacation before the summer starts have preferred the country's south, small tours in Turkish Cyprus and European countries for mini vacation. Professional Hotel Managers Association (PYOD) President Ali Kızıldağ said domestic tourists who wanted to combine May 19 with the weekend have caused a radical uptrend in the domestic market.

Explaining that travel agencies were pleased with the sales, Kızıldaş said: "Especially hotels with special campaigns are full. May 19 has caused a radical uptick in the domestic market. Nearly 50,000 to 60,000 [domestic] tourists are expected to be in hotels in the Antalya region."

Indicating that the problem with foreign tourists is still ongoing, Kızıldağ said they have not seen the increase they are anticipating for June.

According to Tatilsepeti.com General Manager Koray Küçükyılmaz, there was an increase in international reservations along with the coming of spring.

Since Youth and Sports Day is on a Thursday this year, it allows for short holidays, Küçükyılmaz said, and that those who want to benefit from this opportunity are taking Friday off and going on four-day holidays.

Küçükyılmaz added that tours to Turkish Cyprus and Europe drew the largest amount of attention around May 19. "The classic tours such as Rome, Paris and Amsterdam were first in tour sales. Guests who want to explore new places in addition to these locations have preferred on-the-march destinations like Romania and Bulgaria as well as Transylvania, the land of chateaus," Küçükyılmaz said.