UEFA final gives huge boost to Istanbul’s tourism

The UEFA Champions League final game that Istanbul hosted at the weekend has given a huge boost to the city's hotels and marks "a milestone" for the local tourism industry, says Müberra Eresin, the president of the Hotel Association of Türkiye (TÜROB).

Thousands of fans arrived in the city to watch the game between Manchester United and Inter Milan on June 10 at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, spending money at restaurants, hotels and other venues.

Occupancy rates at Istanbul's hotels climbed over 90 percent thanks to the game, Eresin said.

"Above all, Istanbul has proved to the world that it is a first class [holiday] destination. We see the final game organized in Istanbul as a milestone for the local tourism industry. The [UEFA] final is the beginning of vibrant and good days for Istanbul," she said, adding that the Champions League final was an invaluable marketing opportunity for the city.

Some football fans stayed only one night while others spend two to three days in Istanbul, they made a great contribution to the city's local economy, according to Eresin.

"After we have endured many difficulties, this event boosted our morale," she said, noting that the earthquakes in early February also hit the tourism industry and tourism activity almost came to a halt because of the elections.

Officially some 70,000 tickets were sold for the game, she noted.

Due to the inflow of fans, hotel occupancy rates rose above 90 percent, while at the same time room cost increased neatly 100 percent, Eresin said.

Those who traveled to Istanbul for the game are also the big spenders, according to Eresin.

Last year, a tourist spent $950 on average during their visit to Istanbul, but the football fans spent between $1,200...