In 2023, the border crossings between Turkey and Bulgaria and Greece witnessed a substantial increase in passenger movements, with a notable surge recorded at Kapıkule, Hamzabeyli, and Demirköy connecting to Bulgaria, as well as Ipsala and Pazarkule connecting to Greece.
According to official data, the customs gates of Kapıkule, Hamzabeyli, and Demirköy leading to Bulgaria, and Ipsala and Pazarkule leading to Greece collectively facilitated the entry and exit of 15,006,852 passengers in 2023, marking a considerable rise from the 13,692,627 recorded in the preceding year, 2022.
The increased traffic at these key border crossings signifies a heightened level of cross-border travel and economic activity between Turkey, Bulgaria, and Greece. The upward trend in passenger movements reflects the strategic importance of these customs gates in facilitating not only tourism but also trade and cultural exchanges between the neighboring countries.
The specific breakdown of the passenger movements at each customs gate was not provided in the available information. However, the overall increase highlights the growing connectivity and the expanding scope of bilateral interactions in the region.
Customs gates play a vital role in facilitating the movement of people and goods across borders, contributing to economic growth and regional cooperation. The surge in passenger entries and exits at Kapıkule, Hamzabeyli, Demirköy, Ipsala, and Pazarkule suggests a positive trajectory for cross-border relations and underscores the need for continued collaboration and infrastructure development to meet the growing demands of regional connectivity.
As these customs gates serve as important conduits for both trade and tourism, the increased passenger movement in 2023 is indicative of the resilience and adaptability of the regional transportation networks. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining efficient and secure border crossing procedures to foster continued positive relations and economic cooperation between Turkey, Bulgaria, and Greece.
The noteworthy increase in passenger traffic at these customs gates in 2023 is a positive indicator for the economic and social ties between the nations, and it underscores the potential for further growth in cross-border activities in the coming years.
source: aa.com.tr / prepared by Melisa Beğiç