Didim has witnessed a major boom in foreign tourists in the first eight months of 2022, with a rise of 25%, official figures state.

The resort is said to have hosted about 450,000 tourists from Britain, Germany, Bulgaria, Poland, Russia, Netherlands and Balkan countries so far this year.

The 25% hike in numbers could be even higher as it does not include domestic and foreign tourists who come to the district for a day, stay informally, stay at their holiday homes or at rental properties.

The figures, according to the Ministry of Tourism, are up on the 245,996 tourists who stayed in Didim in 2021 – this includes 76,957 foreigners and 169,039 domestic tourists. Didim officially has around 27,000 hotel beds in total.

In addition to sea-sand-sun tourism, the resort pulls in tourists who visit the Temple of Apollo, the Ancient City of Miletus, Prienne and the Milet Museum. Official date said that these historic ruins hosted around 125,000 visitors between January and August 2022.

It has been claimed in the resort that large hotels, small and boutique hotels reached 100 percent occupancy rates. Entertainment clubs such as Altınkum Yalı Street, the Hotels District, Akbük, Mavişehir and other cafes, restaurants and bars in the district are having a good season. 

While this activity in the district pleased the chamber members, both the transportation sector and the tradesmen stated that the season was good.

Didim Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen, Şerif Erul, said: “Our district is a tourism city; Our tradesmen especially wait for the season every year. According to our research, many hotels in our district are full until the end of October and this will contribute to our tradesmen. 

“This year’s season has been close to our expectations. During peak season, our tradesmen were busy. Of course, it is very important for our tradesmen to make money. The increase in tourism data is pleasing for our district.”

Didim Chamber of Commerce Vice President and Travel Agency operator Hikmet Atilla said: “The war between Russia and Ukraine created pessimism among tourism professionals. However, there has been an increase above our expectations; reservations are made at the last minute and this will continue. In some regions, the season has extended to November. 

“In my opinion, 250 to 300,000 people remained in second houses and tents in the area. If there is no setback, 2023 will be the summit.”