Antalya tourism surges with 8.5 million visitors and major fall events

Antalya is experiencing a significant tourism surge, with more than 8.5 million foreign visitors recorded since the start of the year. Occupancy rates at five-star hotels in major hubs such as Belek, Kundu, Kemer, and Alanya have exceeded 90%, with August hotels reported as fully booked.

Tourism officials expect the season to extend into the fall due to major international events, including the International Space Congress (IAC 2026) in October and the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in November. Governor Hulusi Sahin noted that while geopolitical developments impacted the sector in April and May, the market has recovered toward last year's levels.

In the historical center of Kaleiçi, the tourism impact is particularly visible. While the permanent population of the district is approximately 500 to 600 people, the influx of tourists causes the nighttime population to swell up to 100 times its size, reaching between 40,000 and 50,000 visitors. This high circulation supports a large number of local businesses, including roughly 180 accommodation establishments and over 200 restaurants and cafes.