Cappadocia, the apple of the world's eye and one of Turkey's most important tourism destinations, is experiencing a high influx of tourists in the early days of 2024.
Cappadocia, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, renowned for its fairy chimneys, hot air balloons, valleys, and rock-carved churches and hotels, continues to welcome tourists throughout the 12 months of the year.
Having set a record for tourism in 2023, Cappadocia is once again experiencing a high influx of tourists in the early days of 2024.
Tourists leaving their hotels early in the morning visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum and Zelve Open-Air Museum.
Later, tourists participating in the activities in the region explore the shops selling souvenirs during their free time.
TOURISM OPERATORS SATISFIED WITH 2023
Mustafa Durmaz, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Göreme Tourism Development Cooperative, stated that the New Year passed with full occupancy in Cappadocia in terms of both domestic and foreign tourists.
Durmaz said they expect the tourism density experienced in the 2023 season to continue in 2024.
Durmaz, noting that 2023 was intense for tourism operators, stated, "Finally, during New Year's, we had a dense crowd of local guests. New Year's Eve was lively in Cappadocia. Overall, we can say that 2023 was good."
Highlighting that tourists from many nations flock to the region, Durmaz said, "Guests are mostly from India, the Far East, Poland, Bulgaria, and there is also a significant presence from Latin America, although not many Europeans."
"HOPING THAT 2024 WILL BE FULL OF ACTIVITIES"
Expressing high expectations for 2024, Durmaz emphasized, "Hopefully, in 2024, we will have guests from different nations. China has not opened up. China was an important factor for us, but we did not see any intensity from China. However, this year, hopefully, if there is no disease or anything else, we are expecting China. We hope that 2024 will be full of activities with the intensity from China."
Durmaz also mentioned the density in the region during the winter months, stating that people from many nations prefer Cappadocia in the winter.