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Türkiye is all se to attract close to 1 million foreign visitors during the upcoming New Year holiday period, as hotels from Van to Antalya report rising occupancy rates, according to sector representatives.
The influx of tourists is expected to bring hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign exchange, giving a seasonal boost to the national economy.
The New Year holiday, which coincides with Christmas for many travelers from Europe and Asia, typically runs from Dec. 25 to Jan. 4. Millions are expected to travel abroad during this period, and Türkiye has emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations this winter.
Popular tourism hubs such as Antalya, Cappadocia, Van, and Edirne are preparing for peak occupancy, mirroring patterns from previous years, Türkiye daily reported.
In the eastern province of Van, hotels have reported full bookings as early as mid-December, driven primarily by visitors from neighboring Iran. A hotel operator in the city said the influx begins around Dec. 15 each year, adding that Iranian tourists now view Van as a hub for shopping and entertainment.
The official noted that the seasonal traffic benefits not only hotels but also restaurants, malls, and local retailers, generating substantial foreign-currency inflows in both U.S. dollars and Iranian tomans.
Further south, Antalya—Türkiye’s leading resort city—is experiencing a similar rise in tourism activity. A local tour operator said special programs have been arranged for guests from Russia, Germany, and the United Kingdom, with additional charter flights scheduled between Dec. 20 and Jan. 2.
Luxury hotels in the region are nearing full capacity, while average per capita spending during the New Year week is estimated at around $1,200.
The operator added that such demand keeps Antalya’s tourism sector active even in the traditionally quiet winter months, supporting the city’s goal of becoming a year-round destination. Domestic tourism is also rising during the same period, with many Turkish travelers opting for short winter getaways.
In central Türkiye, Cappadocia continues to attract strong interest from East Asian visitors, particularly from China.
A local travel agency manager said that after a temporary slowdown, the number of Chinese tourists has begun to rise again. The region’s signature hot-air balloon rides, stone-carved hotels, and photo tours remain highly popular. He added that year-end demand often matches summer levels, with a notable increase in bookings expected throughout December.
In the northwest, the border city of Edirne is preparing for its own year-end rush as Bulgarian visitors cross into Türkiye for day trips and shopping.
A local shop owner described the season as a "second holiday," noting that Bulgarians now visit not only on weekends but also on weekdays as December progresses. Supermarkets, jewelry stores, tailors, and barbers all benefit from the surge, which is expected to intensify after Dec. 20.
According to data from the Culture and Tourism Ministry, Türkiye hosted 35.4 million foreign visitors between January and August 2025. Istanbul remained the top destination with 12.3 million arrivals, while Russian citizens accounted for the largest share at 4.5 million visitors.
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