Alanya Association of Tourism Professionals President Cem Özcan announced that increasing the Eid al-Adha holiday to 9 days has provided significant breathing room for the tourism sector. Özcan stated that the decision would provide a strong contribution to the regional economy, particularly by increasing mobility in domestic tourism.
Sector representatives pointed out that domestic tourism has followed a stable course throughout the season. It was stated that holiday periods revitalize the domestic market, and that the extension of the religious holiday would further strengthen this effect. While the regulations made to the accommodation tax were welcomed, it was emphasized that the pressure of increasing costs continues and the need for additional regulation persists.
The 9-day holiday decision announced by our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has raised expectations in the tourism sector. With the advantage of sunny weather and an early start to the sea season, Alanya is expected to take a significant share in domestic tourism.
President Cem Özcan stated that the long holiday has boosted morale in the sector, saying, “The 9-day holiday allows guests to make their travel plans more easily. While this situation extends the duration of accommodation, it provides a direct contribution to the regional economy.” Özcan also emphasized that a change has occurred in guest preferences, stating that longer and relaxation-oriented holidays are becoming more prominent.
Emphasizing that domestic tourism is the sector's strongest guarantee against fluctuations experienced in foreign markets, Özcan stated, “The domestic market is one of the most important building blocks that keeps our resilience against crises strong. For this reason, we must certainly increase our share in domestic tourism to the highest level it ought to be.”
Stating that the 9-day holiday period could provide significant contributions to the Turkish economy, Özcan emphasized that this momentum would not be limited solely to the accommodation sector. Özcan said, “Tourism is a locomotive sector that feeds numerous fields, primarily transportation, food and beverage, retail, and service sectors. During this process, a wide segment, from taxi drivers to tradesmen, and from gas stations to airline and bus companies, will benefit from this vitality.”
Stating that, in addition to hotels, entertainment venues and beach businesses in Alanya will also begin operating at full capacity during the holiday, Özcan stated that the resulting momentum would provide significant contributions both socially and economically. Özcan also added that the 9-day holiday creates strong motivation for the sector before the summer season.