Erciyes Ski Resort Generates $250 Million for Turkish Economy

The Erciyes ski resort in central Turkey hosted 3.3 million visitors during the recent winter season, delivering an estimated $250 million contribution to the national economy. Over the past ten years the facility has added a cumulative $2.5 billion in value, according to Zafer Akşehirlioğlu, chairman of the Erciyes A. Ş. board.

Visitors include 15 % foreign skiers, with guests arriving from Russia, Ukraine, Poland, the Czech Republic and a growing list that now features Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Mexico and, in the coming season, Hungary. The resort is expanding its offering beyond winter sports, running summer tennis tournaments, football camps, children’s play areas, beach‑volleyball events and an August Meteor Observation Festival, as part of a four‑season tourism strategy.

Local officials say the season’s record snowfall and high visitor numbers signal a successful transition toward a year‑round destination that will continue to support regional businesses and the broader Turkish tourism sector.