In the first six months of the year, Antalya, which hosted 6.2 million foreign tourists, saw a 15% increase in the number of visitors from Romania, where visa exemption is provided.
Between January 1 and June 30, Antalya welcomed 6.2 million foreign tourists, with Russia being the leading country, sending 1.45 million visitors. Germany ranked second with 1.325 million tourists, and the UK third with 650,000 vacationers. Additionally, 460,000 tourists came from Poland.
The visa exemption provided to Romania had a positive impact on the number of tourists from this country. By the end of May, there was a 15% increase compared to the same period last year, with 90,000 Romanians vacationing in the city. Hakan Saatçioğlu, President of the Association of Professional Hotel Managers, noted that the tourism activity continues to grow, with a 10% increase in the Russian and German markets, a 25% increase in the UK market, and a 28% increase in the Polish market. Saatçioğlu highlighted that hosting 6.2 million foreign tourists in Antalya over six months is a significant achievement, and they aim to reach 18 million visitors by the end of the year.
"SO FAR, 90,000 ROMANIANS HAVE ARRIVED"
Saatçioğlu pointed out that Romanians can now travel to Turkey with just their ID cards and said:
"The visa exemption granted to Romanian citizens has had a positive impact on tourism. We will see the real increase, especially in July and August, and we aim for a 25% rise in the number of tourists from this country. So far, 90,000 Romanians have arrived, and this number is increasing. This year will see much higher numbers compared to previous years. Romanians mostly prefer Istanbul, the Aegean region, and Antalya."
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