So far 2023 seems to be the year of recovery, especially in the tourism sector, as early reports are indicating that the ancient UNESCO World Heritage site of Cappadocia could have it’s best year ever, with a record number of tourists visiting the site’s attractions in the first half of this year.
Welcoming around 4.1m tourists last year, official figures for the first four months of 2023 reveal that 870,976 people have visited already, with well over half of those arriving in April. The most popular sites within the ancient city include the Kaymakli Underground City which has welcomed just over 114k tourists, the Zelve Ruins which have welcomed just over 211k tourists and the Goreme Open Air Museum which has welcomed over 229k tourists.
The region has been a unique site for decades, steadily attracting more and more visitors each year, and it’s easy so see why when you visit the ‘fairy chimneys’, the underground villages, the rock-face houses and the ancient churches. It’s mystical in a way and quoting the words of Mehmet Akturk who is the Mayor of the District, ‘the region is a unique geography, which has no alternative in the world’.
If numbers continue to prove to be strong (and there’s no reason as to why they shouldn’t) then 2023 could be a record year ahead for Cappadocia, and developments in other markets should also play a major role in hitting that record with a focus on attracting those from China, Japan, South Korea, and South America.
If you are planning on visiting this ancient region, then be sure to take a hot-air balloon ride across the site, as the views are simply incredible and you’ll have an-beatable memory of the trip!
