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TURKIYE’S Mediterranean coast is expected to see a large number of tourists this summer despite the devastating earthquake in February, industry experts say. As temperatures rise, the “Turkish Riviaera”, the country’s southern region known for its turquoise beaches and ancient heritage sites, is entering the peak tourism season.
Sector representatives reported a drop in reservations following the deadly earthquake that rocked southeastern Turkiye on February 6, but things soon returned to normal, they said.
“Last year’s positive data regarding foreign tourist arrivals and (tourism sector) revenue gives us hope this year at the beginning of the summer season,” Burhan Sili, chairman of Alanya Touristic Hoteliers Association, told Xinhua in a recent interview.
Alanya, a major tourist destination on the Mediterranean coast, recorded a 55% increase in tourist arrivals in the first three months of this year compared to the same period last year, according to figures released by the local governorate in early April.
Turkiye’s tourism revenue in 2022 reached an all-time record high, jumping to US$46.3 billion (US$1 = IDR14,943) with 51 million foreign visitors, the country’s statistics authority announced in January.
Sili said that demand fell after the devastating earthquake, but then increased in a few weeks, indicating a full recovery.
Alanya, a major tourist destination on the Mediterranean coast, recorded a 55% increase in tourist arrivals in the first three months of this year compared to the same period last year, according to figures released by the local governorate in early April.
According to Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said in January that foreign tourist arrivals are expected to reach 60 million by 2023, before reaching 90 million by 2028, while revenues will reach US$56 billion this year and US$100 billion in five years.
Sili said tourists from Russia and European countries, especially Germany and the UK, will account for a large share of those arrivals. Overall, we expect to close the 2023 season performing better than 2022 in terms of arrivals and revenue.
Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said in January that tourist arrivals are expected to reach 60 million in 2023, before reaching 90 million in 2028, while revenue will reach US$56 billion this year and US$100 billion in five years.
The sharp depreciation of the Turkish currency against hard currencies since early 2022 has also made Turkiye an affordable destination for European nationals facing rising living costs.
While Kaan Sahinalp, Turkiye representative of German travel giant TUI, was also optimistic about the outlook for 2023, pointing out that the country is in for a better year than 2022.
Sahinalp mentioned that a weak lira is generally more affordable for budget travelers and Turkiye will once again likely be one of the top choices for many travelers.
The tourism sector plays an important role in Turkiye’s economy, which has seen a growing current account deficit in recent years. The industry also provides livelihoods for more than two million residents in the country. [antaranews/photo special]
