Turkish travel company Jolly has announced a strong start to 2025, achieving over 60% revenue growth and a 30% increase in customer numbers during the first half of the year. The announcement was made by Chairman of the Board Mete Vardar during a press meeting in Istanbul’s Kuruçeşme district, alongside CEO and Vice Chairman Mert Vardar and Deputy General Manager of Sales and Marketing Ahmet Burçin Baysak.
Mete Vardar emphasized Jolly’s commitment to expanding the domestic tourism market, stating, “We have made it our mission to grow the domestic market, and we are now beginning to see the results of our years of effort.”
He highlighted the high demand for early booking campaigns, noting that Turkish consumers have become more aware of the advantages of early reservations. “Our early booking campaign, launched in October 2024 with up to 50% discounts, received strong demand. Over 50% of bookings were made during this period,” said Vardar.
Installments and Discounts Support Travel Affordability
According to Vardar, special credit card campaigns with banks, interest-free installment options, and discount coupons helped boost both customer numbers and revenue. He also explained that customers who booked in October for a July vacation paid only 25% upfront, with the remaining 75% financed by Jolly and paid in nine monthly installments.
“We supported our guests with up to 50% discounts and flexible payment options during the season as well. In a time when money is so valuable, we put our resources on the line to keep the tourism sector moving,” he said.
Focus on Cyprus and Domestic Tourism
Vardar stated that Jolly is now extending its impact to Northern Cyprus, calling the company’s efforts there a “national duty.” He said that Cyprus is seeing significant investment and that cultural tours on the island have become one of their top products.
Strong Demand for International and Cultural Tours
CEO Mert Vardar highlighted strong growth in cultural tourism, one of Jolly’s core offerings. “We remain a leader in cultural tours. For example, participation in Kars tours grew by 135%, while Mardin and Southeastern Anatolia (GAP) tours continue to be among the most popular,” he said.
Mert Vardar also noted a surge in demand for international travel, supported by stable exchange rates. “Despite ongoing challenges with visa appointments, interest in Europe is very strong. We achieved 140% growth in the number of travelers for Benelux tours and up to 20% growth for Italy, Spain, and Greece,” he said.
Rising Interest in Long-Haul Destinations
Jolly’s long-haul strategy is also paying off, with destinations like Thailand, Bali, and Japan seeing significant growth. “Demand for these regions has increased by around 50%, and in Japan specifically, our revenue grew fourfold compared to the same period last year,” Vardar explained.
Visa-free destinations such as Dubai, Egypt, and the Balkans also remain popular among travelers.
Ambitious Vision for 2025
Concluding his remarks, Mert Vardar emphasized that 2025 is not just a year of goals but also one of expanded vision. “As one of Turkey’s most preferred tourism brands, we aim to strengthen our leadership position further. With our robust infrastructure, investments in digitalization, sustainability-focused projects, and commitment to customer satisfaction, we are determined to make a difference in the industry. We are confident that we will complete this year successfully, thanks to our potential, experienced team, and the millions of guests who grow with us,” he said.
Source: Anadolu Ajansı/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök