After the Russia-Ukraine war, Russian leader Vladimir Putin's announcement that EU member countries will cut off the gas and cold winter forecasts make retired Europeans, called the 3rd age group, uneasy. Tourism professionals are preparing long-term holiday packages for 150 million retirees in the EU to spend the winter in warm holiday regions. While hoteliers in Antalya view holiday packages positively, elderly European tourists say Antalya is the most suitable destination.
The Ukrainian-Russian war, which left behind the eighth month, had a negative impact on lives all over the world. While Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement that he will cut off the natural gas they give to Europe despite the agreements. The increasing energy costs make the residents of this continent think, especially the retirees, who are considered to be the 3rd age group, are planning to spend the winter season by taking extended vacations in warm countries. In the holiday packages prepared by the Turkish tourism representatives in Germany, the sale of holiday tours for many destinations for the winter period, scheduled for 56 days, has started. One hundred fifty-two hotels from Antalya, the most popular destination in Turkey, are included in the campaign. In addition to Antalya, Aegean coasts such as Kuşadası, İzmir, Bodrum, Marmaris and the TRNC are also within the scope of the campaign. In the campaign, prices vary between 1051-9 thousand 892 euros in 4-5 star all-inclusive system hotels for 56 days reservation, starting from 511 euros in 2-3 star hotels. Retirees in Europe, who are in a difficult situation with the increase in energy prices this winter, will be able to take a 2-month holiday in Antalya or other destinations and be more profitable instead of spending the winter at home.
150 Million Pensioners in Europe
Ali Kızıldağ, the general manager of the 5-star hotel in Antalya Belek Tourism Center, pointed out that especially in winter tourism, Turkey and Antalya in the destination called 'Turkish Riviera' always hosted the 3rd age group tourists and said, "The 3rd age group tourists, especially in the winter. We would like to host them in Turkey during the winter months. It is very natural for this group to be hosted in the winter months since the 3rd age group holidaymakers have a much higher level of mobility and financial ability, and they can take a vacation during the winter months. A campaign should indeed be made for this group in Europe, where the age group vacationers and retirees are.
Reminding that in addition to Turkey, countries such as Spain, Italy and Portugal are also campaigning, Kızıldağ said, "European countries also have severe studies in destinations that compete with us. We are also competing on the platform in this field; we will compete", emphasizing the need to get a share of this cake with effective policies. Kızıldağ also stated that there had been an increase in winter tourism compared to last year.
Crisis Managed Well
Emphasizing that both the public and private sectors manage tourism in Turkey well, especially during and after the pandemic, Kızıldağ said:
"Today, while there is an assumption that the 2019 figures in global tourism can only be achieved in 2023, and this assumption continues, Turkey leaves positive and surpasses 2019 figures in tourism in 2022. This is a great success. We owe our gratitude to all tourism components, especially the Minister of Tourism, who contributed to this success. "We expect that the winter season will also go very well. It would be wrong to act on the assumption that Europeans will get cold and frozen only because of the gas crisis in Europe."
Tourism expert Kızıldağ said that Turkey has accomplished pioneering and exemplary projects in the world tourism movement at this point and that it is necessary to run towards '70 million tourists, 70 billion dollars' in the next dimension, and '100 million tourists 100 billion dollars' in the next dimension.
'Turkish Hospitality is Excellent'
Austrian Walter Wiesingen, who will spend the winter months in Antalya, stated that the Ukraine crisis has affected Europe in every sense and said, "Hard times await us in Europe, especially in terms of heating."
Stating inflation also affects life, Wiesingen said, "That's why I'm here. Hospitality in Turkey is exceptionally excellent. I feel good and comfortable here. I recommend everyone to come to Turkey and see it. They can spend their time here for months."
Kurt Ender, who spent his winter vacation in Antalya with his wife, said, "The weather in the region is good. I can do winter and summer sports. The weather is perfect and convenient for me. I am in a nice hotel. We had a good time and enjoyed it. In winter, Turkey is economical and reasonable in terms of prices. This situation for us is positive. I prefer Turkey rather than going to Spain. There are more options here in terms of money," he said. (Ahmet İstek- DHA)
