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Turkey is on the verge of breaking new records in tourism, focusing intently on attracting visitors from the Far East. Last year, approximately 50,000 Chinese tourists visited, but that number is projected to soar to 350,000 this year. With Chinese tourists spending an average of $1,000 each, their impact on local businesses is remarkable.
High Demand from Chinese Tourists
Chinese tourists have an unwavering interest in Turkey, according to Pax2Night's co-founder, Evren Oktay. Chinese travelers prioritize receiving detailed information about hotel rooms, including amenities such as water heaters. They show a strong preference for cultural tourism, opting to visit destinations like Istanbul, Çanakkale, Kuşadası, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia, and Safranbolu rather than focusing solely on coastal tourism.
Economic Impact of Tourism Spending
Chinese tourists in Turkey usually stay for about 8 nights and frequent museums and historical sites. Their spending ranges from $800 to $1,200 per person, significantly boosting the local economy through their purchases. There has been a marked increase in interest in Southeast Anatolia tours, with many tourists visiting Adıyaman Nemrut, Urfa Göbeklitepe, and Gaziantep.
Boosted Tourist Numbers from the Far East
Increasing Tourist Numbers
Gareth Matthews from DidaTravel predicts a surge in tourists from the Far East post-COVID. Last year, 475,000 tourists from countries such as China, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines visited. This year, the figure is expected to exceed 1 million.
Increased Flights
To meet the growing demand, Turkish Airlines (THY) and major Chinese airlines have ramped up their flight services. THY now operates flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Taipei. Additionally, China Southern and other airlines have increased their flight frequencies, ensuring smooth travel between Turkey and China.
Most Asked Questions About Chinese Tourists Visiting Turkey
Why has interest from Chinese tourists in Turkey increased?
Several factors have driven the heightened interest among Chinese tourists in Turkey. The declaration of 2018 as "Turkey Tourism Year" was instrumental. Turkey's rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty highly appeal to Chinese visitors. Post-COVID travel restrictions easements and the relaunch of tour packages in 2023 have further accelerated this interest.
Where do Chinese tourists visit in Turkey?
Chinese tourists often choose cultural and historical sites. After exploring Istanbul, they typically travel to places such as Çanakkale, Kuşadası, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia, and Safranbolu. Southeast Anatolia, including Adıyaman Nemrut, Urfa Göbeklitepe, and Gaziantep, is also popular due to its cultural significance and natural beauty.
How much do Chinese tourists spend while visiting Turkey?
Chinese tourists spend an average of $800 to $1,200 per visit in Turkey. Staying for about 8 nights, their expenditures include accommodation, entry fees to museums and historical sites, and shopping. Their emphasis on buying local products and souvenirs provides a notable economic boost to local businesses.
Who is Evren Oktay?
Evren Oktay, born in Adana in 1981, is a highly experienced professional in the tourism sector with 25 years of expertise. He is a graduate of Muğla University in Tourism and Hospitality and has worked with prestigious brands like Hilton, Marriott, Ritz Carlton, and Six Senses. In 2020, he served as a partner and COO at Yuppi Travel, and in 2023, he founded Pax2Night, introducing cutting-edge online solutions to the industry. Oktay, who specializes in business development and strategic partnerships, holds a prominent role in the tourism sector.