Eid travel rush set to generate over $4 billion in economic activity
As an estimated 15 million people are preparing to travel across Türkiye during the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday, a massive travel rush expected to generate nearly 200 billion Turkish Liras ($4.4 billion) in economic activity through family visits, coastal vacations and urban tours, delivering a major boost to the country’s tourism sector.
Representatives from the industry report near-capacity bookings across the country, while demand is also robust for a range of international destinations. Domestic travelers are increasingly choosing cultural, culinary and nature-focused itineraries.
The timing of the holiday at the end of May is set to provide a major boost to coastal resorts, particularly all-inclusive hotels in the Mediterranean province of Antalya, alongside millions of people hitting the road for traditional hometown visits.
Hakan Saatçioğlu, head of the Professional Hotel Managers Association (POYD), said occupancy rates at many hotels in Antalya have already reached 90 percent to 95 percent, with some accommodation facilities completely sold out. Saatçioğlu noted that the extended Eid holiday has effectively kick-started the summer season.
