Firuz Bağlıkaya

Hot air balloon tourism in Türkiye could attract nearly 2 million passengers by 2030 with the introduction of new routes, according to the head of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB).

Newly imposed international sanctions on Russia, combined with existing sanctions, could affect the flow of Russian tourists to Türkiye, according to Firuz Bağlıkaya, president of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB).

Türkiye is one of the favored destinations of Russian holidaymakers with the Mediterranean province of Antalya standing out.

The Greek authorities have initiated efforts to extend the visa-on-arrival scheme for Turkish citizens visiting 10 islands, just before the program's scheduled conclusion at the end of 2024, Turkish media has reported.

Since April 1, Turkish nationals have been able to visit 10 Greek islands for up to seven days under the visa-on-arrival scheme.

Preferences have changed during this summer vacation due to both high hotel prices and climate conditions.

Sector representatives said those who cannot go to popular vacation destinations such as Çeşme and Bodrum due to high prices this year prefer cultural tours, which provide price advantages.

Nearly 10 million people in Türkiye are expected to travel during the nine-day Eid holiday to visit relatives and friends and take advantage of the prolonged respite, a sector representative has said.

Although the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, or the feast of sacrifice, traditionally spans four days, its extension to nine days has prompted many in the country to make travel plans.

The Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) has launched its campaign with the aim of expanding tourism activities year-round to the country's 81 provinces.

"With the 'Century of Tourism' project, we set a goal of increasing our country's share of tourism even higher," said Firuz Bağlıkaya, the president of the association.

The increasing rejection rate for Schengen visa applications from Turkish citizens has brought the operations of tour companies to a grinding halt, according to a prominent industry representative.

The number of foreign tourists visiting the Turkish Mediterranean resort of Antalya surged by 45 percent in March from a year ago to reach a record 505,000.

In the first three months of 2024, the popular holiday destination welcomed more than 1 million visitors, also marking a first-quarter all-time high.

Travelers and vacationers' spending is expected to be around 100 billion Turkish Liras during the upcoming nine-day Eid holiday, according to Firuz Bağlıkaya, the president of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB).

Istanbul is setting a higher target in tourism, aiming to welcome 20 million foreign visitors, says Firuz Bağlıkaya, the president of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB).