Antalya has welcomed more than 6.5 million foreign visitors since the beginning of 2026, with hotels reporting occupancy levels of up to 100% as the Mediterranean resort enters the busiest period of the summer season. Strong international demand and healthy bookings are expected to keep the city busy well into the autumn.
Russia, Germany, and UK Lead Visitor Arrivals
Russia remains Antalya's largest source market, followed by Germany, and the United Kingdom, while Poland, the Netherlands, and Ukraine continue to provide significant visitor numbers. Although arrivals were slower during the first half of the year, tourism activity increased sharply from July.
Hakan Saatçioğlu, President of the Professional Hotel Managers Association (POYD), said geopolitical tensions earlier in the year affected bookings, but demand has recovered during the peak holiday season. He said: "We are slightly below last year's level. Russia remains our largest market. Germany is our second-largest market, and the U.K. is third, followed by Poland, the Netherlands, and Ukraine."
Hotels Reach Up to 100% Occupancy
Hotels across Antalya are now operating at between 90% and almost full occupancy, supported by both international arrivals and increased domestic travel during the Turkish school holidays. Industry representatives say the market has regained momentum following a slower-than-expected start to the year.
Saatçioğlu said bookings for July and August are matching last year's performance, providing confidence that the city could welcome close to 8 million foreign visitors by the end of July. He said: "Occupancy rates have reached around 90% to 100%. Reservations are progressing very well. When we compare July and August bookings this year with last year, they are at the same levels."
Longer Tourism Season Expected Through November
The strong booking trend is also expected to extend Antalya's tourism season beyond the traditional summer months. Hotels are already receiving reservations through the end of November, continuing a pattern seen last year when many properties remained open longer due to sustained demand.
Saatçioğlu said the COP31 United Nations-backed climate conference, scheduled to run until November 20 in Antalya, is expected to generate additional demand, particularly for accommodation in Kaleiçi, the city centre, Lara and Belek.
He added that international leisure travellers are also expected to continue booking holidays in destinations such as Manavgat and Kemer, helping to sustain visitor numbers well into the autumn.
Aleksandra Cihanoğlu 
Senior Advisor
Aleksandra Cihanoğlu is a Senior Advisor at Property Turkey and a regular contributor on topics including Citizenship by Investment, relocation, travel, and lifestyle opportunities in Turkey. Her writing focuses on helping international readers understand the practical realities of living, investing, and building a long-term future in the country.
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