Chinese tourists flock to the Aegean

Holders of People's Republic of China passports will now be able to travel to Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days in total every 180 days. This new policy is expected to provide convenience for visitors from distant countries and significantly increase the demand for the Aegean Region among Chinese tourists.

The travel preferences of Chinese tourists align with the cultural, historical, and natural riches of the Aegean. With its ancient cities, unique maritime tourism, regional cuisine, and diverse tourism options, the Aegean stands out as an attractive destination for the Chinese market.

Orhan Belge, Vice President of the Aegean Touristic Enterprises and Accommodations Association, believes that Chinese tourists will revitalize regional tourism. Belge stated, "When Chinese tourists receive interest and affection and are welcomed warmly, they keep coming and bring others with them. The Aegean has all of this in abundance. There are no issues with service in the Aegean, and our Chinese guests are our most trouble-free guests. On the night the pandemic broke out, the number one group in terms of numbers at the establishment where I was located was Chinese. Now, with this visa exemption, I feel that the Chinese market will shift toward this side. We are currently in very good discussions with major agencies and tour operators. The Chinese will arrive around April. I believe that by this coming November-December, the numbers will be at least 2-3 times what they are now in the Aegean."

Belge also pointed out that Chinese tourists are more interested in culture and gastronomy than in sea and sun, and noted that they are regularly promoting the region in China in cooperation with agencies. Aegean tourism professionals, who hosted a significant number of tourists from China before the pandemic, expect these figures to rise again thanks to the new visa policy.

İsmail Hakkı Karadeveci, President of the İzmir Regional Representative Board of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), also emphasized the interest in the Chinese market and expressed his expectations. Stating that an average of around 400 thousand Chinese tourists visit Turkey annually, Karadeveci said, "We expect over 1 million Chinese tourists in 2026. We want İzmir to hold an important place, especially in Anatolian tours. We are ready in terms of infrastructure. They love the Çeşme region incredibly much. We have high expectations."

Karadeveci also stated that the guide and food culture in the region are important for Chinese tourists. He noted that the necessary infrastructure is in place but will continue to be further developed. "The Chinese prefer cultural tours more. Guidance and food culture are important to them. We have the infrastructure for these, but we will try to develop them further. We are preparing our region together with other institutions. We are working to increase the number of guides. Having the Chinese come and spend 3-4 days is a great opportunity for them to get to know the Aegean. One Chinese person coming means more will follow. As the Chinese continue to come, our region's tourism will grow exponentially," he said.

News Source: 12punto