Sector professionals say Antalya will be full with Russian, Aegean local tourists this year
The weight of Russian tourists in Antalya will be more noticeable this season. It is emphasized that the holiday packages of Russians in Europe will be replaced by holiday tours in Turkey. On the other hand it seems that local tourists will stay mainly in the Aegean.
It is reported that preparations for the opening of coastal hotels have already begun. Facilities plan to gradually open in May and June until end of June. It is observed that facilities such as villas, and bungalows are of higher demand.
The summer season excitement has begun in coastal and resort hotels. In the new season, which will be overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic, regional hotels are ready to manage the process, primarily with a ‘safe tourism certificate’ and all measures.
Gradual opening in hotels in the Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean regions is supposed to begin gradually on April 9. Openings are expected to intensify as of May. As a group of foreign tourists, it is expected that Russians will prefer holidays in Turkey more as compared to other alternatives.
It is understood that another important group of tourists will be Ukrainians. It seems that said groups are expected to stay in and around Antalya. On the other hand from Canakkale to Ayvalik and from Izmir to Muğla, there will be a large number of local tourists. Also, these regions are expected to receive British and German tourists.
There will be 2 main determinants of openings in the regions. The first is seen as shaping up bookings, which are expected to increase, especially at the last minute. The second determining factor is whether the short work allowance will be extended for the sector. The allowance was last extended until the end of March. But the tourism and food and drink sector is demanding that the allowance be extended until the end of June.
Otherwise, businesses will not be able to protect their employment while facilities in the sector will not be able to work at full capacity and will not be able to find enough financial strength and afford to open.
