2.5 million hosted in Türkiye's Muğla between January and August

Muğla, a captivating province located in the south-western region of Turkey, is a natural wonderland that attracts millions of tourists annually. The region is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, stunning beaches, and ancient cities that showcase Turkey's rich history and cultural heritage.

Home to some of the most pristine beaches in the country, Mugla has its crystal-clear waters, white sand, and pleasant climate throughout the year. The province has a vast coastline stretching along the Aegean Sea, offering visitors an opportunity to indulge in various water sports and activities.

First eight months bring in 2.5 million tourists alone

According to the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, Muğla has hosted nearly 2.5 million tourists in the first eight months of this year. The region has a diverse range of accommodation options, with some 340,000-bed capacity facilities that cater to the needs of tourists.

Between January and August, the province welcomed 2,429,981 visitors, with the majority coming from the United Kingdom, accounting for more than a third of the total visitors. The number of Russian tourists was 283,604, followed by 161,669 from Poland. Germany and the Netherlands were the other countries that sent the most tourists. Muğla also welcomed some 758,450 tourists from other countries during the same period.

Mehmet Ayyıldız, the president of the Marmaris Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen, reported that there was a 15% increase in the number of tourists compared to the same period last year, with about 40% of them being British citizens. He added that the region's tourism industry has been growing steadily, thanks to its unique natural attractions, historical sites, cultural heritage, and the warmth and hospitality of the local people.

Charming destination with much to offer

Muğla is a charming destination that offers visitors an opportunity to experience Turkey's natural beauty, history, and culture. The region has a lot to offer, from beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and stunning landscapes to a vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine. With its friendly locals and excellent tourism facilities, Muğla is undoubtedly a must-visit destination.

Ayyıldız spoke to say that: “The 15% increase compared to the same period last year is very pleasing for our tradespeople. This situation encourages and motivates us for the new tourism promotions we plan to carry out in 2024.”

According to Ayyıldız, the season is expected to continue for another two months.

Recent surges in foreign passengers

Mutlu Ayhan, the chairperson of the Marmaris Chamber of Commerce, also weighed in on the tourism industry's current state. Ayhan expressed his delight with the recent surge in the number of foreign passengers arriving at Dalaman Airport via international flights. He attributed this growth to the hard work of tourism businesses in promoting the region and offering excellent services to visitors.

Ayhan also mentioned a rise in the Polish market, with a notable increase in tourist arrivals from Poland this year. This surge can be attributed to the active participation of tourism companies in the Warsaw Fair last year, which helped increase awareness of the many attractions the region has to offer.