Cappadocia becomes popular destination for new year’s holiday
A view of the city as the illuminated and decorated for the new year at the historical Cappadocia region, located in Central Anatolia's Nevsehir, Türkiye, December 9, 2024. (AA Photo)
As the end of the year approaches, local and foreign tourists are flocking to Cappadocia, with reservations for the new year’s holiday period already reaching near full capacity across many of the region’s accommodations.
Known for its fairy chimneys, underground cities carved into the rocks, historic sites, and hot air balloon tours, Cappadocia is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique holiday experience.
Tourist numbers soar as new year’s holiday approaches
With preparations for festive events underway, many of the region’s hotels and restaurants are gearing up for a bustling holiday season. The area has been beautifully decorated with lights and festive ornaments, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors.
Tourism experts predict high demand as the year comes to a close.
Record numbers expected for holiday season
Ismail Sucu, Deputy Chair of the Domestic Tourism Specialization Committee at the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB), shared insights on the expected tourist influx.
“Cappadocia experienced its golden age of tourism in 2023, welcoming 4.8 million visitors. In the first 11 months of this year, we have already seen 4.2 million tourists,” Sucu explained. “From December 21st to January 3rd, the occupancy rate is approaching 80%, and we expect this to rise above 90% as the holiday approaches.” He emphasized that Cappadocia’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, boutique hotels, and new year’s holiday festivities will make the region an attractive destination for both local and international visitors.
Expectations of 100% occupancy
Mustafa Durmus, a tourism professional, also confirmed that preparations at hotels in Cappadocia are nearly complete. He noted a significant increase in bookings, both from domestic and international travelers. “New year’s holiday is always a busy time in Cappadocia. Reservations are continuing to come in, and the region’s small businesses will certainly benefit from this increased demand. Hotels in Goreme are fully booked, and our newly opened 5-star hotel is also seeing excellent demand,” said Durmus.
Teyfik Olmez, President of the Cappadocia Tourism Hotel Owners and Operators Association (KAPTID), anticipates full occupancy across the region’s accommodations for the holiday season. “From December 15th onwards, we have seen a significant flow of reservations. After Christmas on December 25th, we expect full occupancy throughout the week,” Olmez added. He also noted that, due to winter tourism and the closure of coastal resorts during this period, more domestic tourists are likely to choose Cappadocia as their holiday destination.
With its unique landscapes and a variety of activities, including the famous hot air balloon rides, Cappadocia continues to be one of Türkiye’s premier destinations for those looking to celebrate the New Year in a distinctive and memorable setting.
