Ayvalık district of Balikesir, one of the most active regions of domestic tourism in Turkey, spends the busiest days of summer with many alternatives it offers to holidaymakers besides the trilogy of sea, sand and sun.
Ayvalık offers 22 islands, especially Cunda (Alibey), 17 kilometers long Sarimsaklı and other beaches and deep blue coves, diving spots, and windsurfing opportunities. In addition, the "Devil's Table", one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Turkey, hosts both tourists and excursionists this summer with its camping areas, historical stone houses and rich tastes of the North Aegean cuisine.
In addition to 425 accommodation facilities with a capacity of approximately 20 thousand people, tens of thousands of second homes (summer houses) are located, and the activity that started with the Eid al-Adha continues in the district, which currently hosts 10 times its population of 70,000.
The accommodation facilities in Ayvalık, which smells of olives everywhere due to olive trees and oil factories, serve their guests with an occupancy rate of up to 80 percent.
Ayvalık Mayor Mesut Ergin told Anadolu Agency (AA) that they feel the intensity of the tourism season in every area in the district.
Stating that as the Municipality, they work with all teams to ensure that the guests can spend the summer season more comfortably and comfortably, Ergin said, "We believe that we will have an abundant and fruitful season."
Emphasizing that Ayvalık's accessibility to tourism has increased in recent years thanks to Balıkesir Koca Seyit Airport in Edremit district, the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge in the Dardanelles, tunnels and highways, Ergin said, "I think the season we are currently experiencing will extend until October. Even in the winter season, this situation can bring with it intensity, especially on weekends.”
"People as much as the population of Ayvalık visit our district on a daily basis"
Ayvalık Tourism Association President and Ayvalık Tourism Development Service Union General Secretary Ümit Özgültekin said that the 9-day Eid al-Adha holiday on June 24-July 2 was productive.
Özgültekin informed that the occupancy rate of the establishments is over 90 percent during the holiday and said, "The occupancy rates continue in our tourism facilities. We were expecting a decrease after the holiday, this decrease took place. Currently, we have an occupancy rate of around 70 to 80 percent. This occupancy goes over 80 percent on weekends."
Özgültekin stated that these rates met their expectations.
Referring to the importance of excursionists, Özgültekin said, "We also have daily guests in Ayvalık. These guests swim on our beaches and benefit from the historical and natural beauties of our district. The number of these guests is also at a very high level. Almost as many people as the population of Ayvalık visit our district on a daily basis. Of course, this situation also contributes positively to the economy of the district.”
Feraye Şen, a university student from Izmir, said that the density of vehicles and people in big cities makes daily life difficult and she prefers to rest in Ayvalık during her summer vacation.
Stating that the smell of pine and iodine coming from Kazdağları gives energy to people, Şen said, "There is no need to mention its historical and natural beauties. Holidaying here gives me incredible life energy."
Şaban Dümen, a teacher who lives in Samsun and spent his summer vacation in his hometown Ayvalık, said that they rested in the district by enjoying the sea, sand and sun.
Dümen said that it is a special pleasure to taste the unique flavors of Ayvalık cuisine in particular, adding, "Ayvalık is a town that I can never give up on my vacation. It is a real privilege to live here, I understand it better now that I have been away from my profession for 34 years."