The number of tourists visiting Turkey’s southern Antalya province on the Mediterranean coast totaled 3.3 million from the beginning of the year to mid-November, an Anadolu Agency (AA) report said Tuesday.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic that brought on travel restrictions and lockdown measures, halting global tourism, Antalya has again become one of the most preferred touristic destinations in the region.
The “healthy tourism certificate” program that was initiated in coordination with the Culture and Tourism Ministry, Health Ministry and related authorities was an important factor in attracting numerous tourists to the city, and the country in general, as the program has developed trust among foreign customers.
As part of the certificate program, hotels, airports and the city’s world-renowned beaches abided by the many measures that were needed to prevent the spread of the virus.
Ülkay Atmaca, head of Turkey’s Professional Hotel Managers Association (POYD), told AA that the opportunity of safe and healthy tourism that was present in the region was what made tourists choose Antalya and enjoy pleasant vacations there.
Atmaca said the important thing was the survival of the sector, adding that the experience gained will be very valuable for 2021.
