Eyes on the end of June in Fethiye tourism: 'The season will rise'

The 2026 tourism season has started in Fethiye and Ölüdeniz. Muhammet Kökten, President of the Ölüdeniz Tourism Development Cooperative, made the first evaluation of the season and shared the latest situation in the tourism sector. Stating that the season started with the opening of all facilities at the beginning of May, Kökten said that demand was below the expected level in the first weeks.

Holiday activity gave the sector some relief

Kökten, who stated that May passed with a slow pace, mentioned that there was a serious crowd in the region during the Eid al-Adha period. Noting that the holiday boosted morale in the sector, Kökten said that there was a slowdown again in the first half of June. Emphasizing that occupancy rates in facilities varied from one business to another, Kökten said that while some hotels saw high occupancy, there were significant vacancies in others.

“We expect a recovery in the second half of June”

Kökten, who stated that the reservation data is promising, said that an increase in reservations is expected especially after June 15. Kökten mentioned that the season will gain momentum towards the end of June, and that the intense interest of expatriate citizens in July and August will contribute to the region's tourism. Referring to the evaluations made with sector representatives, Kökten pointed out that expatriate reservations are at remarkable levels, and stated that this activity will be reflected in the field during the summer months.

Favorite of Chinese tourists: Cable car and paragliding

Sharing expectations for the last part of the season, Kökten said that British tourists, who are the region's traditional market, continue to be important in September and October. Especially in the first days of October, Chinese tourists heavily preferred Fethiye and Ölüdeniz, Kökten stated, adding that Chinese visitors show great interest in cable cars and paragliding. He noted that the fish market in the region has also become one of the popular spots for Chinese tourists.

School calendar affects tourism

Kökten, stating that one of the reasons for the slow start of the season is the changes in the education calendar, said that while schools used to close in the first half of June in previous years, the education period has been extended until the end of June in recent years. Noting that break times could create an advantage for winter tourism destinations, Kökten stated that the extension of school closing dates negatively affects the start of the season for tourism businesses operating in the Aegean and Mediterranean. Organization proposal on the beach for the World Cup Kökten said that the World Cup matches being played early in the morning creates some difficulties especially for British tourists, who are known for their passion for football and want to follow the matches. He expressed that broadcasting matches at hotels early in the morning is not easy in terms of guest comfort, therefore special events could be organized on the beach or in an appropriate open area. Kökten added that events that bring together tourists who want to watch the matches could add a different vibrancy to the regional tourism.