Antalya 2025: Record numbers and sustainable tourism in focus!

Antalya 2025: Record numbers and sustainable tourism in focus!

Turkey's Tourism Minister, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, announced at the traditional May meeting of the Association of Mediterranean Hotel Operators (AKTOB) in Antalya that 2025 should be a record year for tourism. The ministry looked back on the impressive figures of 2024, when Turkey welcomed 62.3 million visitors and recorded revenues of $61.1 billion, setting historical records. The average overnight revenue per foreign guest increased from $75 in 2017 to $106 in 2024. A further increase to $116 per guest is expected in 2025. Ersoe explained that the target for 2025 is a new record tourism turnover of USD 64 billion, underlining the industry's confidence.

Antalya plays a central role in this. In 2024, the region hosted 46 international events, attracting 697 guests from 32 countries. In addition, Antalya welcomed 1,288 international guests in the first four months of 2025. A campaign under the slogan “Get Lost with Wizz Air” achieved a remarkable 138 million views. Digital successes are also being noted: the GoTürkiye platform recorded 901 million digital impressions in 2024 and 176 million in the first quarter of 2025. GoTürkiye's social media presence is also significant, with 4.5 million followers on TikTok, 5.16 million on YouTube and 3.8 million on Instagram.

Sustainability and cultural offerings

Another important focus is on sustainability in the tourism sector. Over 81% of tourist businesses in Antalya already have a sustainability certificate. Innovative concepts such as night museums in Alanya, Side and Aspendos demonstrate the region's commitment to environmentally friendly tourism. Sponsored activities include cycling, golf, diving and cultural tourism. The “Geleceğe Miras” project supports restoration of historical sites and 1,149 cultural objects were repatriated from abroad in 2024. The Cultural Street Festival, which is planned for 2025 in 20 cities and will reach its finale on November 10 in Antalya, is highlighted as another highlight.

The 2025 winter season also offers attractive opportunities for German travelers. Antalya presents itself as an ideal travel destination with temperatures between 15°C and 20°C, few tourist crowds and affordable prices. Cultural highlights such as historic Kaleiçi with its Ottoman architecture and the Antalya Museum, which offers insights into Lycian, Roman and Byzantine history, invite you to explore. Planned festivals with traditional music and craft markets as well as regional dishes in Kaleiçi's restaurants promise an authentic experience.

Nature experiences and tailor-made offers

The surrounding nature is also an attraction. The Taurus Mountains offer fantastic hiking trails, including the Lycany Trail, and the thermal springs of Pamukkale and Saklıkent are attractive destinations for those seeking relaxation. There is also the possibility of skiing near Saklıkent. Sustainability also plays a big role here. Travelers have the opportunity to choose eco-friendly accommodations with solar panels and zero-waste concepts and participate in clean-up events or stay in eco-certified hotels.

Tourwix Travel provides tailor-made offers for travelers, such as the “Culture Trip Light” with guided tours of Kaleiçi and boutique hotel overnight stays, and “Nature & Relaxation”, which includes hikes in the Taurus Mountains and visits to thermal baths. The “Discover Sustainably” program also enables volunteer projects and stays in eco-accommodations. To promote sustainable winter holidays, travelers can book certified accommodation, use public transport and support local providers.

The Turkish tourism industry is looking forward to 2025 with great hope, which will be characterized not only by economic records, but also by cultural diversity and sustainable development. The efforts to strengthen the Antalya brand even in winter are met with open ears by travelers looking for an authentic and environmentally conscious experience.

For further information see also [Hurriyet] and [Tourwix].