Antalya is gearing up for another record-breaking tourism season, with British and Polish travelers leading the surge in visitor numbers. Early bookings for 2025 indicate an 8% to 12% increase in reservations compared to last year, driven largely by growing demand from the UK and Poland, according to industry experts.
The Mediterranean hotspot welcomed 17.3 million foreign tourists in 2024, an 8% increase from 2023. Among them, 1.57 million British and 1.26 million Polish travelers made up the third and fourth largest tourist groups, respectively.
Why UK & Polish Tourists Are Choosing Antalya
Antalya’s appeal among British and Polish holidaymakers continues to rise, thanks to its affordable luxury, all-inclusive resorts, and year-round sunny climate. Industry leaders cite competitive pricing, cultural richness, and expanding direct flight connections as major factors driving growth from these markets.
Hakan Saatçioğlu, president of the Professional Hotel Managers Association (POYD), confirmed the strong booking momentum, with most reservations coming from European travelers, particularly from the UK and Poland.
Russian and Ukrainian Tourism Outlook
While European tourism is on the rise, Antalya’s hospitality sector is also closely monitoring the impact of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war on visitor numbers.
Before the conflict, Russia and Ukraine were among Antalya’s top tourism markets. In 2024, the city hosted 4 million Russian visitors but still saw a significant decline in combined arrivals from both countries, totaling a 3 million loss since the war began.
Local tourism representatives believe that a potential peace agreement could drive a recovery in Russian and Ukrainian tourism, although a full rebound may not be felt until 2026 or 2027.
A Resilient & Expanding Market
Despite geopolitical challenges, Antalya remains one of Europe’s fastest-growing tourist destinations, with expectations to outpace 2024’s record-breaking numbers. In addition to the UK and Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavian countries are also showing steady increases in bookings.
Kaan Kavaloğlu, president of the Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers and Investors Association (AKTOB), noted that even the prospect of peace in Ukraine has already generated positive sentiment in the tourism sector.
Looking Ahead: A Strong 2025 for Antalya Tourism
Antalya’s diverse tourism appeal—from beach resorts and historical landmarks to world-class golf courses and vibrant nightlife—continues to attract a wide range of international travelers.
With strong early bookings and a growing reputation among British and Polish tourists, Antalya is poised to reach new tourism heights in 2025, reinforcing its status as a top European holiday destination.
