In an exclusive interview with Emin Bola, CEO of Ephesian Tourism & DMC, we discussed the recent increase in inbound tourism to Turkey and the reasons behind it.
“Turkey is a country that has a rich history, culture, and natural beauty, which has made it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world,” Bola said. “In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of visitors to Turkey, particularly in the region of Ephesus where our company operates.”
According to Bola, one of the main reasons for the increase in inbound tourism is the diverse range of attractions that Turkey has to offer. “Ephesus, for example, is home to some of the world’s most famous historical and cultural sites, such as the ancient city of Troy, the Roman city of Ephesus, and the Ottoman Empire’s Topkapi Palace,” he said. “Additionally, the region has stunning natural landscapes, such as the hot springs of Pamukkale and the stunning beaches of the Turkish Riviera.”
Bola also highlighted the importance of Turkey’s improving infrastructure and transportation in driving tourism growth. “Turkey has been investing heavily in the development of new airports, highways, and public transportation systems, making it easier for tourists to travel around the country,” he said. “This has greatly improved accessibility to the region, making it more convenient for travelers to visit Ephesus and other tourist destinations.”
Another factor that has contributed to the increase in inbound tourism to Turkey is the value of the Turkish lira. In recent years, the lira has lost value against major currencies such as the euro and the US dollar, making Turkey a more affordable destination for tourists from European countries. Bola pointed out that “this has made it much more attractive for European travelers to visit Turkey, as their money goes further here. We have seen a significant increase in the number of tourists from European countries, as they are able to enjoy the same quality of service and facilities at a much lower cost than they would in other destinations.” This has resulted in more and more tourists coming to Turkey, taking advantage of the favorable exchange rate and enjoying their vacation in an affordable way.
The CEO also mentioned that the government’s efforts to promote Turkey as a safe and secure destination has played a crucial role in attracting more tourists to the country. “The Turkish government has been implementing new security measures to ensure the safety of tourists, and this has greatly improved the overall perception of Turkey as a travel destination,” he said.
Overall, Bola is optimistic about the future of tourism in Turkey, particularly in the region of Ephesus. “We expect to see even more tourists visiting Turkey in the coming years, as the country continues to offer a diverse range of attractions and improve its infrastructure,” he said. “Ephesian Tourism & DMC is ready to welcome and serve all the visitors with the best service.”
