According to sector representatives on Monday, Antalya, a well-known tourist destination in Turkey that recently set a record for the number of visitors it welcomed even before the year ended, is ready for a busy New Year’s and Christmas season driven by strong interest, particularly from Germany and the United Kingdom.
According to their statement in an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA), the occupancy rates of open facilities are anticipated to surpass 90% throughout the holidays.
Known for its many beaches and pleasant temperature, Antalya has become one of the most popular travel destinations in the globe and still attracts visitors from all over the world, even in December. The city is busy getting ready for Christmas and New Year’s, having welcomed a record 16.6 million tourists in the first 11 months of the year.
Tourism in Turkey
Additionally, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism, announced last week that the resort city has won the 2025 “Tourism City of the Year Award” from the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation.
“This unique city, which has hosted countless civilizations from ancient times to the present, continues to blend its cultural richness with natural beauty, offering visitors an unforgettable experience,” Ersoy stated on X. He added that Antalya is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world and that it is the first Turkish city to receive this honour.
Hotels are being decorated, performances are being planned, and entertainment events are being planned as reservations from both domestic and foreign markets continue. Often referred to as the “jewel of the Turkish Riviera,” the city hopes to welcome 17 million visitors by the end of the year and anticipates strong demand over Christmas and New Year’s.
Christmas, New Year and going into 2025
The head of the Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers and Operators Association (AKTOB), Kaan Kaşif Kavaloğlu, told AA that Christmas and New Year are crucial tourism revenue streams because of the harsh winter weather.
Reservations are going well, Kavaloğlu said. “Europe, Russia, and the local market are booking our services for Christmas on December 20, New Year’s on December 31, and Orthodox Christmas on January 6. Thus, from December 20 to January 10, we expect a lot of activity,” he stated. “Apart from Europe, Russia is also sending a substantial number of reservations for both New Year’s and Jan. 6,” he stated.
Kavaloğlu pointed out that hotels are still making preparations, with a special emphasis on lighting, decorating, and adding colour for the Christmas and New Year’s season, when there are a lot of European visitors. “Our hotels have planned New Year’s events that will allow Turkish and European visitors to mingle and have a good time. Christmas and New Year’s holidays will crown the tourism season,” he continued.
Kavaloğlu emphasized that extended vacation times in Europe result in more reservations, and that domestic travellers are selecting Antalya in addition to ski resorts. “Hotels open in Antalya during the New Year will achieve occupancy rates exceeding 90%”
Strong demand from UK and Germany expected
According to Hakan Saatçioğlu, president of the Professional Hotel Managers Association, they broke records and brought in the most tourists in 2024. With this momentum, they are preparing for the New Year.
Bookings indicate that Saatçioğlu anticipates 2025 to be a successful year. Foreign interest has been high since October, particularly for the New Year’s season. Occupancy rates for open facilities will be higher than 90%. He noted that the U.K. and Germany have very high demand for New Year’s.
According to Ali Kızıldağ, general manager of the Calista Luxury Resort Hotel in Belek, Antalya, both local and foreign visitors are eager to start the New Year by participating in a variety of events and going to the city’s entertainment events. Kızıldağ highlighted the hotels’ rich activities, saying, “We will have wonderful entertainment programmes catering to various cultures – It will be a lively New Year’s celebration.”
Source: Daily Sabah
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