Hotel occupancy rates in the southern province have surpassed 80% as the ninth International Adana Taste Festival draws near, indicating high visitor interest and hope among travel agencies. The festival, which is being organized by the Adana Governor’s Office with assistance from the municipality, chambers, and civil society organizations, will be held at Merkez Park from October.
Several of Adana’s well-known dishes, including Adana kebab, içli köfte (stuffed meatballs), taş kadayıf (a traditional dessert), şırdan (stuffed sheep stomach), and şalgam (fermented turnip juice), will be featured at this year’s event, which has the theme “From Generation to Generation.”
Visitors will also take part in culinary courses, tasting sessions, and cooking competitions at the eagerly awaited festival. According to Tayyar Zaimoğlu, the director of the Çukurova Association of Touristic Hoteliers, 80 percent of the 12,000 beds in 142 lodging establishments certified by the Culture and Tourism Ministry are already occupied.
“We expect full occupancy during the festival,” he said, adding that visitors would not only savor local delicacies but also explore Adana’s historical sites. The festival contributes to Adana’s economy throughout the year, benefiting restaurants, hotels and shopping centers,” Zaimoğlu noted. “Adana has over 500 traditional dishes and significant gastronomic value. We invite everyone to experience not only the food but also the city’s beauty, atmosphere and energy.”
Derya Duman, commercial director of a hotel in Yüreğir district, said reservations have increased sharply in recent days. “As of last week, we started receiving a wave of bookings and have already reached 70 percent occupancy,” Duman said. “Our goal is to reach full capacity during the festival. We recommend guests make their reservations soon, as room prices may change depending on demand.”
Local restaurateurs and residents also expressed enthusiasm ahead of the event. Kebab chef Hüseyin Ensar said they were eagerly preparing for the festival, which draws nearly 1 million visitors each year. “It brings great economic benefits to our city,” he said. Festivalgoer Ezgi Bulut shared similar excitement: “We get the chance to meet international chefs and enjoy vibrant events. It’s a fun experience, and we look forward to it every year.”
Many people consider Adana to be one of the gastronomic capitals of Turkey. With recipes influenced by the region’s lengthy agricultural heritage and multicultural past, its cuisine combines Mediterranean and southeast Anatolian influences. Adana kebab, the city’s most famous dish, has come to represent Turkish food across the country.
Source: Hurriyet Daily News
For more information on Turkish Property for Sale please click the link
