Tourism Professionals Await the Opening of Çukurova Airport

Hamit İzol, the President of the Board of Directors of the Mersin Tourism Operators Association (MERTİD), stated that despite Çukurova Airport not being opened yet, winter hotels in Mersin are operating at an average capacity of 60%. He expressed that there is a high potential for winter tourism in Mersin.

Pointing out that with the opening of the airport, winter hotels in Mersin could operate at 100% capacity, İzol said, "Geographically, Mersin is suitable for winter tourism. Compared to Antalya, it is less windy and more suitable for congresses and sports club camps due to having more sunny days."

According to the news from the global news portal by Derya Özgür; İzol stated that winter tourism is open to development in all plateaus in Mersin. He especially emphasized that Arslanköy and Çamlıyayla are more suitable for the development of winter sports, and Kayağa, Dümbelek, and Karboğazı plateaus are also open to winter tourism activities.

İzol highlighted that with the development of winter tourism in Mersin, employment opportunities will also increase. He said, "When the airport is opened, there will be a greater need for accommodation with domestic tourism and tourists coming from abroad, leading to increased employment opportunities. To revitalize winter tourism in Mersin, the airport must first become operational and open to international flights. Additionally, businesses in plateaus should be prepared for winter tourism. Supply and demand complement each other; Mersin is suitable for tourism throughout the seasons, offering great potential for winter, summer, faith, and health tourism."