Interest in two-day New Year's Eve vacations spent in the snow in mountain hotels has surpassed the popularity of seeing live performances by stars in Antalya. Turkey's favorite skiing holiday spots such as Uludağ, Palandöken and Kartalkaya are filling up between the dates of December 29th and January 2nd. Instead of trying to reel in avid skiers, some hotels have added free skiing lessons in order to draw in first-time skiers.
According to Mika Tur Administrative Board Chairman Bülent Kuş, there has been serious demand this year for accommodation in hotels in skiing centers. "This year we saw high demand in skiing tours by families with children, whereas usually they are preferred by the youth. In addition, with the programs we have set up this year, skiing novices will also be checking into mountain hotels."
Kuş, explained that they have organized a special program this year at Uludağ's Genç Yazıcı hotel. "Holiday-goers that do not know how to ski will be able to receive free lessons in order to become familiar with the sport. Those who make reservations will benefit from a 30 percent discount, staying for a price starting off from 89 TL."Kuş went on to state that this package drew the attention of first-time winter vacationers and resulted in filling hotels in Kartalkaya and Palandöken as well. In Uludağ tours hotel prices per night cost upwards of 350 TL.
Five-star hotels on offer for 44TL have filled
Kuş stated that with the early reservation campaign initiated on November 23rd, they are aiming to draw in 80,000 people. Demand was highest for reservations at five-star hotels starting at 44 TL. Kuş also drew attention to the fact that they are also seeing a demand from those wanting to schedule their summer vacations at a discount and they tend to prefer the postponed payment plan being offered in bank campaigns.
Mika Tur to operate 100 branches

Kuş also stated that Mika Tur will be increasing their number of sales offices. "At present, we have 71 agencies in 21 different provinces. We will be bringing that number up to 100 by January 15th," and added that they intend to grow in Istanbul, Izmir, Eskişehir and Marmaris.

Tourist numbers surpass 30 million in 11 months
The number of tourists to visit Turkey in the first 11 months of the year surpassed 30 million for the first time ever. According to figures from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in November 1,596,295 tourists visited Turkey. This figure shows a 10.18 percent increase compared to the figures from the same time the year prior. In addition, with this figure, Turkey's number of visitors in the first 11 months of the year has surpassed 30 million for the first time ever.