Safranbolu sets visitor record with over 3M guests in first half of year

UNESCO World Heritage and Cittaslow town of Safranbolu in Karabuk has experienced a surge in visitors in the first half of 2024, welcoming a total of 3.19 million people and setting a new visitor record.

Renowned for its Ottoman-era inns, baths, mosques, fountains, bridges and mansions, Safranbolu saw significant interest, especially during the Ramadan and Qurban Bayram holidays.

During Ramadan Bayram,  also known as Eid al-Fitr, the town welcomed 1.87 million visitors, and during Kurban Bayram, also known as Eid al-Adha, it hosted 1.23 million guests. Additionally, 90,000 people stayed in the town during other months.

Sebnem Urgancioglu, head of the Safranbolu Tourism Business Operators Association, said they reached their annual goal within the first six months due to the holiday season.

“During Ramadan Bayram, we had approximately 1.5 million visitors. For Kurban Bayram, vehicle entry data shows around 302,789, meaning 2.5 million people visited the city just during the holiday periods,” she said.

Urgancioglu noted a 30% increase in domestic overnight visitors and an 80% rise in international visitors.

“The increase in foreign tourists and the decrease in hotel bookings in the Aegean region have turned into a boost for Safranbolu. We are hopeful that by the end of the year, Safranbolu will set another visitor record,” she added.

She also mentioned that the fall season is a peak period for Safranbolu, and she expects the town to end 2024 with a record-breaking performance.