Tourists visit the Aizanoi ancient city in Kutahya Province, Türkiye, on Dec. 27, 2024. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
ANKARA, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Türkiye's tourism sector is poised to close 2024 on a high note, with industry insiders expressing optimism for a strong 2025.
Early bookings indicate a continued upward trajectory, signaling sustained growth for the country's vital tourism industry.
Despite regional challenges, including the ongoing Gaza crisis, demand for Türkiye remains robust, particularly from European markets. Experts are confident that the momentum seen in 2024 will carry into the coming year, potentially driving even stronger results.
Recep Yavuz, a tourism representative from Antalya, Türkiye's leading tourism hub, noted that early deals for 2025 have already garnered significant interest, especially from European countries. "The strong demand we're seeing suggests that 2025 will be another strong year for Turkish tourism," he told Xinhua.
Yavuz also emphasized that Antalya is on track to set a new record for foreign holidaymakers, with an estimated 16 million visitors expected in 2024.
Esra Demir, a travel agency associate with Sun Tours in Ankara, observed that early reservations for culinary-focused trips are on the rise. "Interest in gastronomic tours is growing, as travelers increasingly seek to explore regional specialties and the cultural significance of food," Demir said. "We expect even more travelers to join these tours in 2025, especially with continued promotional campaigns."
Türkiye welcomed over 50 million foreign tourists between January and November, marking a 7.1 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, according to data from the Culture and Tourism Ministry on Dec. 20. ■
Tourists visit the Aizanoi ancient city in Kutahya Province, Türkiye, on Dec. 27, 2024. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
Tourists visit the Aizanoi ancient city in Kutahya Province, Türkiye, on Dec. 27, 2024. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
Tourists visit the Aizanoi ancient city in Kutahya Province, Türkiye, on Dec. 27, 2024. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
