Türkiye will soon enter the peak tourist season. Famous places away from the earthquake are likely to attract tourists again after a period of calm. 2023 will be a golden year for Turkey’s tourism industry as destinations and staff prepare for the post-Covid-19 recovery. However, an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale on February 6 killed more than 45,000 people, including more than 12. This country is afflicted by the collapse of 000 buildings.
Many in the travel industry share the same concern: will a disaster deter guests? In a few weeks, Turkey will reach the peak of the tourist season and the entire industry is “holding its breath”. Wait. Kaan Kavaloğlu, president of the Association of Touristic Hoteliers in the Mediterranean, said signs of a recovery in tourism are “very good”. Flights operate normally in most major cities and towns. The shops are open again.
Istanbul
It is not the capital, but Istanbul is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the country. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, foreign tourists spent more than $13 billion on their travels in 2022.
Istanbul, 800 km from the site of the earthquake, was hardly affected. However, those working in the city’s tourism sector remain concerned that tourists will not return during the high season.
Büke Yurdadoğ, director of the famous Çukurcuma Hamamı public bath, says activity has declined since last year. Still, he remains convinced that the city’s diversity of culture, history and architecture will attract tourists.
Recommended destinations: Sveti Stefan Church, alleys around Galata Tower, Bosphorus, Sakıp Sabancı Museum, Moda and Kuzguncuk districts.
Antalya
This Mediterranean coastal city offers not only beaches, but also a destination for history, climbing and hiking lovers. After the earthquake, tourism activity in the area declined, which had a significant impact on the employment of workers in the industry.
Mehmet Ali Börtücene, manager of a local hotel, says that tourism is one of the most important sources of income. The arrival of tourists here, therefore, has greater significance, as it indirectly supports the people affected by the disaster.
Suggestions: Beaches, pine forests, ancient ruins in Çıralı, Olympos and Phaselis. Guests can also hike along the Lycian Way along the coast, visit the historic Gelidonya lighthouse, the village of Uçoluk
Bodrum
It is known as a summer attraction with its beach clubs and nightclubs, its quiet coastal villages where tourists can spend evening looks one on the moon. reflect in the water.
At the market, the gallery owner Mustafa and his son sell hand-embroidered tapestries, stoves and cushion covers. He said the quake prompted regulars to call to express their concerns. However, he believes the tourism sector will not be affected.
Many centers have opened their doors here to welcome the victims of the earthquake. “Tourism is one of the country’s main sources of income. For that we need tourists. There are many people living in this sector and in all regions,” he said.
Recommended destinations: Bodrum Castle, Halicarnassus Theater and Mausoleum, Dibeklihan Culture and Art Village
Izmir
As the country’s third largest city, Izmir attracts crowds in the summer looking to spend time in Alaçatı, dance in the beach clubs of Çeşme or taste wine at Urla. CiftCioğlu Ipekci, communications manager at the local hotel, said many customers called to cancel their rooms. Nevertheless, the majority of bookings will be made this summer.
Recommended Destinations: Ephesus and Bergama, the historic village of Birgi, the seaside village of Ildır and its alluring straits, vineyards and seafood restaurants.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is one of the most populated places in Turkey. A mystical landscape with “fairy chimneys”. Carved by winds, stone churches and underground cities, Cappadocia is unlike any other place on earth, describes CNN. It’s also a place where visitors can spot, photograph, and watch hundreds of hot air balloons fly each morning. 300 kilometers from the earthquake, Cappadocia is “completely safe” according to Deniz Karkın, director of Argos Hotel. It is also the place with the lowest earthquake risk in the country.
Recommended Destinations: UNESCO World Heritage Site – Goreme Open Air Museum, Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu Underground Cities, Pasabag Valley with its fairy chimneys and Kızılcukur, the best place to watch the sunset.