Turkey Has Always Been a Top Choice For Vacationers
Vacationers looking for the ideal summer getaway choose Turkey because of its vibrant cities, stunning historical sites, and open-to-exploration countryside. Not to mention magnificent beaches. However, due to the lockdowns and limitations associated with the pandemic that has been in place for the past two years, tourism has decreased in Istanbul and other places.
As soon as the majority of the travel restrictions were eased, tourists started to rush to Istanbul. Istanbul’s tourism prospects for 2022 are still positive, irrespective of the Ukraine situation on travel to Turkey.
Travel Preparations For Turkey
Early in March 2022, the Turkish Ministry of Health declared that masks will no longer be necessary outside. If there is sufficient air circulation, the indoor mask rule is no longer necessary.
In addition, those with COVID-19 during the past 6 months who can provide a healing certificate and whose initial PCR test with a positive result is at least 28 days old are permitted entry into the Republic of Turkey. These individuals must have had at least two doses of the vaccination within the 14 days before entering Turkey.
How The Ukraine Conflict Affects Travel to Istanbul And Turkey
For Russian and Ukrainian tourists, Turkey is one of the most well-liked vacation spots. Many tourists have canceled their reservations for the summer of 2022 as a result of the current circumstances.
This year, Turkey was anticipating 10 million visitors from Russia and Ukraine. However, this number has significantly decreased, especially in towns in the Aegean and Mediterranean areas.
What Has Changed in Istanbul During The Past Two Years, And What Can We Anticipate
1. Galata Port Is Now Operational
The city’s newest cruise terminal is situated in the waterfront neighborhoods of Istanbul’s Karaköy district. A 1.2-kilometer section of the Bosphorus is covered by the port.
Outstanding cruise services are available in the Istanbul cruise port terminal, including dining, shopping, entertainment, and distinctive office spaces. Although its principal use is as a cruise port for foreign voyages, it has developed a reputation as a cultural and historic social hub for travelers to Istanbul.
What Should One Do in Istanbul’s Galata Port
- Eateries And Coffee Shops
When it comes to dining out, Galata port Istanbul undoubtedly has some of the best restaurants in the area. Restaurants and cafés are located in the building, which occupies about half of the harbor in Istanbul.
A few of the cafés and restaurants serving the most exquisite flavors of the world and Turkish cuisine include Mezzaluna, Baylan, and Saltbae Burger. Galataport Istanbul provides distinctive cuisine for foodies, from the top coffee shops in Istanbul to restaurants providing the best burgers in the city or delightful Turkish breakfast.
Additionally, Istanbul’s cruise ship port offers a wide variety of brands and retail options, from affordable to high-end labels. It is perfect for tourists who want to pass the time or look for presents for their loved ones. You might travel to the nearby Karaköy area and explore the streets while looking for handcrafted and oriental items.
2. Istanbul’s New Hotels
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the owner and operator of some of the most magnificent resort hotels and residences in the world, including brand-new buildings in Istanbul.
Mandarin Oriental created significant momentum in the area with Bosphorus Istanbul. Mandarin Oriental, which is situated on the shores of the magnificent Bosphorus, is a new player in Istanbul’s high-end travel market. It is situated in the Kurucesme district, a lovely and convenient area near the Bosphorus.
Mövenpick, the upscale hotel brand of the international hotel chain based in France, has opened a new hotel in Balmumcu and is now entertaining guests. It operates as Istanbul’s Mövenpick Bosphorus Hotel.
The opening of Peninsula Istanbul is scheduled for 2022. The hotel will provide 177 rooms that have views of the ancient peninsula and the Bosphorus. The project has a $300 million investment value.
3. New Transportation Facilities
- Metro Line Mecidiyeköy — Beşiktaş — Kabataş
Having a variety of public transportation alternatives is one of the best things about traveling to Istanbul.
There are tram, metro, bus, etc. choices, particularly for the European continent, which encompasses Sultanahmet, Karaköy, and Taksim.
The good news is that a new subway line connecting several well-known areas, including Beşiktaş, Kabataş, and Mecidiyeköy, will be operational in 2022. One million people per day are anticipated to use the new M7 metro line, which would significantly ease Istanbul’s congested traffic.
4. Airport in Istanbul
The airport has a large capacity and was constructed with a contemporary infrastructure, making it ideally adapted to the tourism boom of 2022. Due to its location, it acts as a hub in the middle of numerous significant travel destinations.
5. The Cruise Port in Istanbul
The development of Galataport, Istanbul’s new terminal port, will broaden the opportunities for cruise travel, especially in the Mediterranean Sea around Istanbul. To increase Turkey’s share of the worldwide cruise tourist market, one of the important projects is the Galataport cruise terminal, which is projected to contribute to the tourism sector in 2022.
6. Istanbul’s Nightlife
There are many enticing options available for all price ranges, ranging from small, neighborhood pubs to upscale bars and expensive nightclubs. Most sites are open all year long.
Live music, whether it is contemporary western music or traditional oriental music, is immensely important to the residents. The various live clubs, stages, and pubs (Meyhane) are excellent locations for such activities.
Taksim in Beyoglu is one of the most well-liked areas to visit for nightlife. There are jazz bars, nightclubs, pub crawls, and more on Istiklal Street. In addition to being near Taksim, the neighborhoods of Karaköy and Cihangir are excellent choices.
On the Bosphorus, the shoreline is some of Istanbul’s most upscale nightclubs. The nightclubs Ruby, Sortie, and Oligark blend dining and dancing elegantly.
7. Istanbul’s Shopping
Shopaholics will love Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, two popular tourist destinations in the old town, combine shopping and historical tourism.
Istanbul in 2022 offers distinctive shopping experiences, whether you’re buying a Turkish carpet with a clever sales pitch or a box of Turkish delight near the Golden Horn.
8. Public Markets
Whether you’re a serious collector or just enjoy browsing, the antique and vintage shops in the Cukurcuma neighborhood, which lies to the east of Istiklal Caddesi, are worthwhile visits.
Farmers’ markets and weekly bazaars are quite well-liked among Turks. For high-quality goods and a taste of the local culture, visit the Thursday Market in Ortakoy, the Saturday Markets in Besiktas, Bakirkoy, and Ferikoy (Sisli), as well as the Tuesday Market in Kadikoy on the Asian side.
9. Malls in Istanbul
In Istanbul, there are about 200 stylish shopping centers. And several of them are among the largest and nicest retail centers in Europe.
The most notable shopping malls worth visiting on Istanbul’s European side include the Kanyon, Metrocity, and Akmerkez in the Levent district; Zorlu in the Zincirlikuyu neighborhood; Istinye Park in Maslak; and the Cevahir in Mecidiyekoy.
10. Tower of the Maiden (Kiz Kulesi)
The Maiden’s Tower is a must-see because of its distinctive structure and fascinating history, even if it hasn’t been in use for a while. Restoration work is still going on, and it should be finished by October 2022.
What Is Ahead For Istanbul’s Tourism Industry
Although there are fewer cases, vaccination rates are rising, and Istanbul tourism is once again on the rise.
The Turkish lira’s decline has increased Turkey’s appeal as a travel and investment destination. On the other side, price hikes in the food and energy sectors would affect tourism and drive up TRY prices.
2022 will be a turning point for investments in Istanbul. A more welcoming environment for investments will be created in 2023 and later, nevertheless.
Istanbul, Turkey Is Anticipated to Receive Tourists in 2022
Istanbul had 791 thousand 578 foreign visitors in the first month of 2022, up 136% from the same time the year before. This number will increase despite some delays brought on by the conflict in Ukraine.
The target for 2022, according to the Minister of Culture and Tourism Ersoy, is $35 billion in income and 42 million tourists. “We have to develop market variety from the beginning when determining our tourist objectives for 2023,” he stated. We founded the Tourism Development Agency to increase market diversity (TGA). Through foreign media and online platforms, Turkey is currently advertising itself in 120 different countries. This year, TGA will invest more than $100 million in marketing.
Ersoy continued, “Our objective this year is to reach the numbers before the pandemic,” noting that Istanbul had 15 million tourists before the pandemic. TGA, they have been executing a highly successful marketing effort for the past two years.
What Countries Bring Travelers to Istanbul
In the first month of 2022, Russians made up 10.99 percent of all visitors visiting Istanbul, followed by Iranians (8.58 percent), Germans (7.55 percent), French (3.42 percent), and Britons (3.42 percent) (3.29 percent). 3,3% of the total number of visitors were Dutch. The current state of Ukraine could cause the numbers to change.
Istanbul and Turkey may contribute to an increase in the number of British tourists arriving. Another popular location for British citizens seeking medical care is Istanbul.
Forecast For Travel 2022
The virus has caused significant changes in the tourism industry. Traveling was more difficult than ever because of flight cancellations at the last minute and testing requirements. As a result, more consumers are turning to tourism businesses for advice.
Travel has become considerably simpler throughout the pandemic thanks to travel agents and tour operators. Even if the internet era and the most recent technological advancements aid passengers with their bookings, they still required assistance from a reputable travel agency.
In our experience, business travel and events that were postponed for 2020 and 2021 will return to Istanbul in 2022. In the summer, as well as in September and October, a significant demand for tourists is anticipated. During some weekends in May, some large hotels are completely sold out. Because of the positive image that Turkish TV programs have gained around the world, more people are selecting Southern Turkey for their summer vacations.
What Is The Present State of the Travel And Tour Industry in Istanbul
Some tourism businesses and agencies had to permanently close their doors while others had to temporarily suspend their operations. Some travel agencies in Istanbul had a competitive advantage thanks to their ability to adjust to developments quickly and their mastery of digital communication.
Brands with a long history of operating in Istanbul, like Oskar Tours, adjusted and began providing adaptable options to tourists. These included establishing flexible regulations for hotels, requiring all suppliers and service providers to follow the Covid-19 social distance and hygiene guidelines, and providing guests with personalized solutions.
You’ve Decided to Visit Istanbul; Are You Ready
Despite all the difficulties, Istanbul is a worldwide metropolis with tourist-friendly cultural, historical, and social amenities. The city’s new facilities, airport, cruise port, infrastructure, and rich history make it more welcoming than ever to visitors.
