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Businesses across Türkiye's Aegean coast are on track for a tourism season that stretches into late October, buoyed by robust demand from local and international visitors that pushed occupancy rates sharply higher over the summer months.
Bulent Tercan, vice president of the Aegean Association of Touristic Businesses and Accommodations (ETIK), stated that hotel occupancy stood at 50% in June before climbing steadily in the following months.
Noting that occupancy rose to 90% in July with the addition of domestic tourists, Tercan said: "In August, which we describe as the 'high season' in tourism, occupancy reached 100%. In September, it currently stands at around 55%."
Tercan reported that reservation rates at some facilities in Izmir's Selcuk and Cesme districts have reached 80% through Oct. 30.
Pointing out that Izmir needs to increase its number of foreign tourists, Tercan said the city holds significant potential not only for sea, sand and sun tourism but also for its historical and cultural riches.
Noting that flights connect the city to 71 different destinations, Tercan said, "Izmir has everything. There's sea, sand, sun, history and culture. Izmir receives approximately 1.7 million foreign tourists a year. The city must take steps to increase that number. Izmir should host at least five million foreign tourists a year."
Tercan added that Izmir's hotel capacity is insufficient and that the city needs quality hotels and modern convention centers.
Tacettin Ozden, head of the Kusadasi Hoteliers Association, said that April, May and June fell below expectations due to geopolitical developments. Noting that the picture changed starting in early July, Ozden said, "July and August went very well. September is also going quite well. Looking at current reservations, we expect to have a good season through the end of October."
Ozden noted that occupancy rates above 90-95% during high season are quite good for the sector.
He emphasized that historical and cultural sites such as Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, Miletus, Priene, Aphrodisias and Pamukkale also support tourism in the region, saying, "We have a beautiful climate. Kusadasi and Didim receive guests from two airports.''
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''We also have a serious advantage in terms of name recognition. Thanks to the historical treasures in our region, there's also strong cultural tourism activity. Domestic visitors from cities like Izmir and Denizli often choose our region for short two- or three-day getaways," he added.
Ozden said that Türkiye sets a global example with its all-inclusive accommodation system, adding that service quality and guest satisfaction at facilities remain high.
Noting that new, quality facilities have opened in Didim and Kusadasi, and that existing hotels are investing in renovations, Ozden said the momentum since July has significantly, though not entirely, offset the losses from the season's first three months.
Twenty-three-year-old Belgian tourist Zoe Verplaetse said she has been coming to Kusadasi with her family on vacation since she was eight years old, adding, "I really love Turkish culture, the food and the atmosphere here. I keep coming back to enjoy Türkiye. Every time I come here, I feel like I'm coming home."
Belgian tourist David Vandendaele also said he loves Türkiye's climate and natural beauty, adding that he was pleased with the cleanliness and service at the facility where they stayed.
Scottish tourist Sean McLean said he has been coming to Türkiye on vacation for about 20 years. Noting that he chooses Türkiye for its culture, people and hospitality, McLean said, "You're always very well looked after here. The weather is perfect, and the hotel staff are friendly, warm and helpful.''
''There's absolutely no problem traveling to Türkiye. It's no different from going to Spain, Italy or Greece. The people and the weather are wonderful. Once you come to Türkiye, you'll want to come back," he added.
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