Alanya Tourism Operators Association (ALTİD) evaluated the course of the 2026 tourism season as of October, developments in the accommodation sector, and expectations regarding the end of the season. Following the cautious outlook in reservations during the first months of the year, Alanya tourism followed a different course during the summer period and gained momentum starting from August. The high occupancy rates observed in many facilities during September and October revealed that the season has extended into the autumn period.
FLUCTUATIONS WERE EXPERIENCED IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE SEASON
The fact that reservations in April and May during the 2026 tourism season trended below expectations caused the sector to start the season cautiously. While activity increased as occupancy levels reached approximately 92 percent during the Eid al-Adha period, occupancy rates in June were realized at around 70 percent. Following July falling below expectations, occupancy rising above 90 percent in August provided morale to the sector in the second half of the season.
The momentum, strengthened by the contribution of the domestic market and high season demand, was also reflected in the months of September and October. Occupancy rates hovering at the 87 percent level in many accommodation facilities demonstrated Alanya's potential to be a preferred destination during the autumn period as well.
COSTS AND MAIN MARKETS ARE BEING CLOSELY MONITORED
Despite the busy periods of the season, cost pressure continues to be significant for tourism enterprises. Increases in operating expenses, price competition, and changes in demand in international markets are among the sector's core agenda items.
Data across Antalya also reveals the importance of market diversity and demand in existing markets. According to the data announced by the Antalya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, the number of foreign visitors arriving in the city during the January-September period of 2026 decreased by 5.6 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching 12,483,159. In September, the number of foreign visitors decreased by 3.5 percent compared to the same month last year.
This table demonstrates the importance of Alanya not only maintaining its main source markets, primarily Germany and Russia, but also continuing its efforts to reach new markets and develop different tourism products.
EXTENSION OF THE SEASON PROVIDES ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION
The extension of the tourism season towards the autumn months in Alanya creates a significant opportunity for accommodation businesses and tourism-related sectors. The extension of the operational period is important in terms of preserving employment, keeping local trade vibrant, and spreading tourism revenues over a wider period.
However, the extension of the season does not mean that all businesses can remain open throughout the year. According to the assessment shared by ALTİD President Cem Özcan in September, the rate of facilities in Alanya that remain open for 12 months stands at 11 percent. It is expected that approximately 80 percent of hotels will complete their season in mid-November and begin preparations for the new season.
ALANYA'S COMPETITIVE STRENGTH IN TOURISM MUST BE PROTECTED
To preserve Alanya's competitiveness in tourism, it is necessary to strengthen promotional activities, improve transportation facilities, maintain service quality, and ensure that businesses adapt to changing market conditions.
While emphasizing the importance of cooperation among industry stakeholders to make the positive results obtained in the general evaluation of the season permanent, ALTİD states that efforts must continue in line with Alanya's goal of becoming a highly competitive, four-season preferred tourism destination that supports economic sustainability.