Iranians flock to Turkey's Van for cheap holiday
Iranians have been flocking to Turkey's Van amid the lira's rapid loss of value. Most hotels in the province are completely booked for New Year's Eve, a tourism official said, adding that Iranians can stay at a hotel for 10 dollars and have dinner for two dollars. "There is no place cheaper than here," he said.
Duvar English
Iranians have been flocking to the eastern Turkish province of Van amid the lira's rapid loss of value against foreign currency.
Most hotels are fully booked for the three-day New Year's Eve holiday, Van Hoteliers and Tourism Professionals Association head Yunus Yüksel told Demirören News Agency on Dec. 14.
Shop owners are content with Iranian tourists' interest in Van, Yüksel said.
"Iranians couldn't come to Turkey for a long time because of the pandemic. They started arriving after border gates were opened. The pandemic affected our daily lives and tourism a lot," he said.
"I hope that more bookings will be made. The loss of value of our currency means the arrival of more tourists," he also said.
"Think about it. They can stay at a hotel for 10 dollars and have dinner for two dollars. They also do shopping. There is no place cheaper than here. I hope more Iranians come."
Celalettin Başak, the general manager of a hotel in Van, said that tourists flocked to the province to do shopping during Black Friday and most hotels were fully booked at the time.
"Our Iranian guests are arriving for fun and shopping. We're not different than [the southern resort of] Antalya. We're ready to provide all services," Başak said.