The extension of the Ramadan Feast holiday to 9 days has revitalized the tourism sector. Those who combined the holiday with the mid-term break started to show great interest in hotels. Sector representatives predict that occupancy rates will reach 100% from 85%. It is stated that there was an increase of approximately 10% in reservations within one day after the extension decision.

Increase in Last Minute Reservations

Holiday plans have changed with the administrative leave being extended to 9 days. Citizens who did not make reservations in advance turned to hotels and tourism companies. Tourism professionals state that reservations, which were previously for 2-3 nights, have increased to 4-5 nights with the extension of the holiday. The occupancy rate of hotels throughout Turkey is currently around 85%. However, it is expected that this rate will reach 100% with last-minute reservations.

Three Holidays in a Row

This period is quite busy for the tourism sector. The mid-term break and Easter holiday follow immediately after Ramadan Feast. Turks living in Europe are coming to Turkey by combining the Eid holiday with the Easter holiday. Intensity is especially observed in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions.

Kaan Kavaloğlu, President of the Mediterranean Tourist Hoteliers and Operators Association (AKTOB), stated that they welcomed the extension of the holiday to 9 days and said, “The Ramadan Feast holiday coincided with a short period, but reservations increased when it was combined with the mid-term break. We used to receive reservations for 2-3 nights, now 4-5 night stays are preferred. We expect hotel occupancy to exceed 80% with last-minute sales.”

Mehmet İşler, President of the Aegean Tourist Enterprises and Accommodations Association (ETİK), stated that the extension of the holiday period made a significant contribution to the sector. İşler said, “As of yesterday, we observed an increase in reservation requests. Already, an increase of nearly 10% has been reflected. We were going lower this year compared to previous years. While there were 100% occupancies last year, we were at 85% this year. We believe that we will make up the difference with the 9-day holiday and we estimate that we will reach 100% occupancy.”

Coastal Hotels and Thermal Facilities are in Demand

Domestic and foreign tourists who see the holiday as an opportunity flock to coastal areas such as Antalya, Bodrum, Didim, Marmaris, Çeşme and Foça. In addition, thermal hotels in Afyon, Denizli and Cappadocia are also attracting great interest. Tourism professionals state that accommodation periods have increased and hotels have opened the season early.

Domestic Market Dominates in Cappadocia

There is also holiday density in Cappadocia. It is expected that the occupancy rate of hotels in the region will reach 80%. Although foreign tourist activity continues, it is stated that the domestic market will be more dominant during the holiday period.

How Much are Hotel Prices?

Accommodation for 2 people for 4 nights in the most affordable hotels for the holiday varies between 7-10 thousand TL. Prices vary by region as follows:

Antalya: Accommodation in all-inclusive hotels starts from 7,500 TL, and in 5-star hotels it ranges from 30,000 TL to 150,000 TL.

Çeşme: Boutique hotels average 6,500 TL, while 5-star hotels can go up to 49,000 TL.

Bodrum: All-inclusive hotels range from 28,000 TL to 96,000 TL.

TRNC: The most affordable accommodation starts from 14,000 TL, while prices in luxury hotels can go up to 200,000 TL.

Cappadocia: Hotel prices range from 10,000 TL to 150,000 TL.