Tourism in Turkey: Van aims to host 1 million Iranian tourists

The number of tourists coming from Iran to Van doubled in the first two months of the year compared to the previous year, with a tourism target of 1 million visitors set for 2024. The number of people crossing the border gate in Van in the first two months of this year reached 150,000, nearly doubling compared to the same period last year.

Van, which shares the longest border with neighboring country Iran, began hosting Iranian tourists year-round with the modernization of the Kapıköy Border Gate in Saray district and its opening for 24-hour crossings.

In order to extend the stay of Iranian tourists in the city, who bring joy to the merchants with their shopping, a shopping festival named ‘Shopping Fest’ was organized under the leadership of the Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Merchants who write informative texts in Persian and offer products appealing to Iranian tourists aim to make the most of the shopping festival period, which will continue until April 5.

‘We turned our direction towards Iran’

Vice Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that Iranian tourists contributed significantly to the city’s economy every year.

Stating that the Kapıköy Border Gate is the lifeline of the city economically, he said, “Approximately 150,000 tourists visited the city in the first two months of this year. We turned our direction towards Iran, and we continue to organize social activities within the scope of the Shopping Fest and the Nevruz Holiday. We are starting a discount campaign for Iranian tourists to have a better time in the city and contribute to the city’s economy. The festival will continue until April 5.”