Ramadan holiday boosts tourism reservations

During the official holiday marking the end of the month of Ramadan, which began on Sunday, approx. ten million people hit the road by bus. Turkish Airlines had to add 46 additional flights, while Istanbul’s Sea Buses made a total of about 4,000 trips. The prime destinations this holiday were popular summer season locations.

With the start of the four-day official holiday, the nation’s buses, planes and sea buses began to offer a record number of additional services. Turkey’s Bus Operators Federation (TOFED) President Mehmet Erdoğan stated that including trips that began on Thursday, a total ten million people used buses this holiday season. Erdoğan explained that on average, 2,000 buses departed daily from Istanbul; however that figure had dropped to 1,400 during the month of Ramadan. As of Thursday, 2,000 buses resumed operation daily. “However,” Erdoğan said, “during the official holiday, this figure was expected to reach 3,000 and there would be 1.5 million people travelling daily”. He added “Calculating those who were unable to find tickets during the holiday and are therefore forced to travel before or after the four-day break, there will be ten million people hitting the roads this holiday season”.

Kamil Koç alone was expected to offer an additional 75 bus trips. Erdoğan said that the destinations of choice were summer spots such as Bodrum and Antalya.

TURKISH AIRLINES OFFERS 46 ADDITIONAL FLIGHTS

Turkey’s airlines have been experiencing the same intensity in demand this holiday season. Due to the high demand for popular summer spots Dalaman and Bodrum, Turkish Airlines (THY) has added an additional 46 flights during the holiday season. THY have also added additional international flights to destinations Riyadh, Kuwait and Paris. A total 87 additional flights have also been added by airlines operating out of Sabiha Gökçen Airport during this holiday season.

Airlines to see a 15 percent rise

Turkey’s Private Sector Aviation Operations Association (TÖSHİD) Secretary General Musa Alioğlu states,” On average, 1,000 to 1,200 planes take-off from Istanbul daily. If we consider that over half of these are Turkish aviation companies, then that means there is serious traffic. During this holiday season, private airlines will experience a 15 percent increase.” Alioğlu also pointed out that the fact that this year the holiday falls in August has led to travelers preferring summer destinations rather than trips to their hometowns.

20.08.2012
SOURCE: SABAH ENGLISH