Turkey targets to make Antalya a tourism destination for the whole year
Antalya is no doubt the tourism capital of Turkey together with Istanbul. However it is observed that the tourism season in Antalya is no longer than 6-8 months. Recently, professionals have been trying to figure out ways to make the city a tourism destination for the whole year.
It is reported that the work carried out to make Antalya a tourism destination for 12 months has been accelerated. Professional people in the sector note that among all factors that would contribute to accomplishment of this target, the year round flights of airline companies to Antalya would play a major role.
They say “The target is to make Antalya not only a summer destination, but also a winter destination and concerned parties are already working on how to realize it. Within this framework it is pleasing to see that new airlines have started to fly to Antalya as well”.
Experts say, “The tourism staff to include professionals responsible for promotion of Antalya should do their utmost to explain why Antalya is a tourism city. We say that Antalya is the capital of Tourism and we hosted 16 million people here, last year. We will welcome more guests in Antalya in 2020. We need to describe the strengths of Antalya as a tourist city. We need to talk about the historical and cultural riches of Antalya. It goes without saying we need to talk about our hotels and our service quality”.
WHY VISIT ANTALYA DURING THE WINTER SEASON
Talking about Antalya, summer, sun, sea and sun are the first things someone might think of. However, one can also holiday in Antalya at a time other than the summer season as well and even in a more enjoyable manner. In fact some believe it may be a better idea to take a winter vacation in Antalya than a summer vacation for below reasons.
Antalya hotels reduce prices by almost half during the winter season. This means that one can holiday in all-inclusive at a price well below the amount to pay in the summer.
In winter, hotels normally welcome guests below their capacity. This also brings about the opportunity of a more comfortable stay. Most importantly, the staff is less tired and can offer higher quality service.
Antalya is not just beaches and sea. In fact, one can enjoy hot spring waters which are known to be very valuable throughout history, in Manavgat, Side and Perge regions. Needless to say hot spring water is very enjoyable and comforting in winter, rather than in summer. (Some hot spring water spots:Damlataş Hot Spring,, Kaş Hot Spring, Demre Hot Spring, Sarisu Hot Spring)
On the other hand, for some people museum visits may be quite boring due to crowds. This may be the case with Antalya museums as tourists visiting Antalya normally do not return without visiting these museums. But these museums are so quiet in the winter that one would not need to worry about crowds. Just to remind, The Antalya Archeology Museum is one of the most important museums in Turkey. Parts of important historical ruins such as Side and Aspendos are on display in Antalya Archaeological Museum.
A FACILITY FOR WINTER TOURISM IN ANTALYA
SAKLIKENT SKI RESORT
It is located in the BEY Mountains in the west of Antalya, 50 km from the city center of Antalya. Because of its proximity to Antalya, it is one of the rare places where two seasons can be experienced in one day. It is possible to reach the resort from the city center by bus, taxi or hotel service vehicles, in one hour only.
The skiing areas have an elevation of 2000-2400 m, in the BUBI Mountain with elevation of 2550 meters. Although the season is quite short, snow thickness is 50-100 cm in the season. There are two lifts with a capacity of 240 people/hour and 340 people/hour. Two runways are easy and medium difficulty.
