Antalya’s tourism sector has experienced a challenging year in 2024, marked by a number of hurdles. The bankruptcy of FTI, Europe’s third-largest tour operator with a focus on Turkey, has presented significant difficulties. Additionally, major events such as Euro 2024 and the Paris Olympics have diverted attention from traditional summer vacations, impacting tourist flow to Antalya.
Despite these obstacles, Antalya has shown resilience. Tourist arrivals from January to July 2024 recorded an 8% increase, demonstrating the city’s continued appeal. While the average length of stay has decreased by one day, affecting hotel occupancy, the region remains a popular destination. As of the first week of September, a remarkable 12 million foreign tourists have visited Antalya, signifying the city’s enduring popularity.
Looking ahead, Kaan Kavaloğlu, president of the Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers’ and Investors’ Association (AKTOB), is optimistic about a strong finish to the year. October is traditionally a busy month for European travel, and Kavaloğlu expects it to be one of the best in recent years, potentially surpassing 2019 when Antalya saw record visitor numbers. Around 76,000 foreign tourists are anticipated to visit the city during October, driven by strong markets like Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, whose holiday periods align with this timeframe. Furthermore, favorable weather conditions could extend the tourism season into late November, providing local businesses with an extended period to capitalize on the influx of visitors.
Antalya is actively diversifying its tourism offerings to attract a wider range of travelers. A series of events, including the selections for the Aviation, Space and Technology Festival, the Food Fest gastronomy festival, and the Culture Road Festival, are integral to this strategy. These events play a key role in enhancing the tourist experience and promoting Antalya as a vibrant, culturally rich destination. Kavaloğlu emphasizes the importance of such events in attracting tourists and boosting the local economy.
With a strong finish expected, Antalya is poised to close out 2024 with impressive tourist figures. The city anticipates hosting around 16.6 million foreign tourists by the year’s end, with the potential to reach 17 million when including transit passengers. This growth is projected to generate significant economic benefits for the region, reinforcing Antalya’s reputation as one of Turkey’s premier tourism hubs. Despite the challenges faced this season, Antalya’s resilience and strong performance position it for continued success in the years to come.
