With the measures taken in the new type of coronavirus (Covid-19) process, Turkey, which was the address of the “safe holiday” last year, believes that more tourists will be hosted this year.
Turkey, which attracts tourists from all over the world with its history, culture, and natural beauties as well as sea, sand, and sun destinations, was among the preferred countries for vacation in the Covid-19 process.
Sector representatives, who completed the preparations for the new season with the Safe Tourism Certificate Program, which is also mandatory this year, think that more tourists will be hosted than last year.
“Safe and healthy” holiday service will be offered in Antalya, which is described as the “capital of tourism” in terms of the number of tourists it hosts, and in Mugla, which attracts the attention of local and foreign tourists with its touristic districts.
“We are hopeful for the next season”
Turkish Hoteliers Federation (TUROFED) Vice President and Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers and Operators Association (AKTOB) President Erkan Yagci said that the tourism industry had been given an important exam last year.
Stating that the guests had their holidays without any problems and returned to their countries with satisfaction, Yagci stated that these gains will reflect positively on this season.
Explaining that the tourism movement will continue within the framework of the Safe Tourism Certificate Program this year, Yagci said, “We are ready for the season. We will host our guests within the framework of the measures we have taken. Our expectation is to exceed the figures we achieved last year. We are hopeful for the season.”
Pointing out that in addition to the measures taken, vaccination studies are also very important, Yagci stated that vaccination will play an important role in the initiation of tourism movements.
Emphasizing that Antalya is an important tourism destination, he said, “It is a world-renowned brand city. We attract tourists from all over the world. Russia will again be our important market this year. Apart from that, Germany and Ukraine are also our important markets. As an industry, we care about every market. We are indispensable for the domestic market.”
Confidence in last year will be reflected in the number of tourists this year
Ulkay Atmaca, President of the Professional Hotel Managers Association (POYD), stated that despite the epidemic last year, it was successful with the rapid measures and public-private sector cooperation.
Stating that they care more about being able to do tourism more than the number of tourists, Atmaca said, “We opened our facilities and worked our laborers in a period when tourism in the world came to a standstill. In this process, even opening hotels is a great success. We think that we will eat the fruits of this year. A better season awaits us.”
Referring to the fact that the hotels in Antalya have fulfilled their criteria and applied in order to obtain the Safe Tourism Certificate since the beginning of the year, Atmaca noted that most of them have received their certificates.
Atmaca stated that they have made all preparations to provide safe, healthy and enjoyable holiday service this season as in the previous season.
Reservations are starting
TUROFED Vice President and President of South Aegean Touristic Hoteliers and Operators Union Bulent Bulbuloglu said that the biggest market of Mugla is England.
Stating that they met with tourism sector representatives and tour operators in England, Bulbuloglu said, “We think that we will start to host our British guests in our city from June. We expect tourists from Russia and Ukraine as of May. It will take a good course in the inter-country vaccination process, and if everything goes well as planned, we expect a much better season over last year.”
Referring to the fact that some accommodation facilities were not opened last year due to the epidemic, Bulbuloglu stated that this year, preparations have been made in almost all hotels to provide safe service for the season.
The new season is eagerly awaited
Turkey Travel Agencies Association (TURSAB) Bodrum Executive Board Chairman Yuksel Aslan said that they expect the season to move around like May.
Stating that vaccination studies will also have positive reflections on the season, Aslan stated that they demanded that the sector employees be vaccinated in a shorter period of time.
Recai Cakir, the chairman of the board of a hotel, stated that they expect a double increase in the number of tourists compared to last year, “Many hotels, which did not open last year, made preparations this year. Everyone is excitedly waiting for the season.”
Source: AA / Translated by Irem Yildiz