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Views at edge of Malaysia: Journey from sea to clouds in Langkawi

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The longer you look at these hills, the clearer it becomes: life in Langkawi is ancient. The prehistoric flora dotting its limestone cliffs – some of the oldest in the world to have risen from the seabed – lends it the air of a land before time.

Langkawi is a 478.5 square kilometer (184.7 square miles) cluster of islands off the coast of northeastern Malaysia. It’s lovingly called the Jewel of Kedah, and for good reasons. It is home to over 99 islands of various shapes and sizes, many with pristine sea beaches, nestled in 550-million-year-old rock formations and under a canopy of dense mangrove forests.

This trove of natural gems earned the island a UNESCO World Geopark status in 2007 and drew nearly 2.9 million visitors in 2024 alone, generating an estimated $1.72 billion in tourism receipts, according to the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA).

Legends come alive

However, things were not always rosy for Langkawi. According to a local legend, the island’s modern prosperity only began after a 200-year-old curse was lifted. In the late 18th century, a beautiful woman named Mahsuri was falsely accused of adultery by a jealous rival and sentenced to death.

As she was being executed, it is said she bled white blood – a sign of her innocence – and used her dying breath to curse Langkawi to be “barren and unprosperous” for seven generations. Historically, the island suffered from foreign invasions and economic hardship shortly after her death. Locals believe the curse finally ended in the 1980s, which coincides precisely with when Langkawi began to boom as a tourist destination.

The flight from the capital Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi’s tiny but well-maintained airport will take you around an hour. For Turkish travelers, wear light, breathable clothing and be ready for a warm – around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Farenhiet) – welcome on the tarmac, thanks to its tropical monsoon climate.

Flights to Langkawi International Airport from mainland Malaysia take just over an hour, Langkawi, Malaysia, Dec. 8, 2025. (Photo: Sudib Sontoran)

Flights to Langkawi International Airport from mainland Malaysia take just over an hour, Langkawi, Malaysia, Dec. 8, 2025. (Photo: Sudib Sontoran)

The island offers one of the best road networks of any island in Southeast Asia, with well-paved, wide and scenic routes, making self-driving the No. 1 recommendation for tourists. The main “ring road” efficiently circles the island of 99,000 people and connects all six residential administrations or mukims: Ayer Hangat, Bohor, Kedawang, Kuah, Padang Matsirat and Ulu Melaka.

Hospitality hotspot

Across the six mukims, Langkawi offers a diverse choice for hospitality and dining – ranging from $15 hostels and $2 street food to thousand-dollar villas and Michelin-level restaurants.

In Pantai Cenang and Kuah, two of the busiest areas, you can easily find budget motels and hotels. For those looking for the ultra-luxury treatment – this is where Langkawi competes globally – head for Datai Bay and Tanjung Rhu for resorts offering restricted beaches, royal suites and private ocean-view villas.

However, Pantai Tengah is the “sweet spot” for many, especially families with young children, said Ibrahim Çağrı Sağlık, marketing manager at Tourism Malaysia Istanbul. It offers a choice of boutique resorts as well as 4 and 5-star hotels for moderate and affordable prices. Most offer complimentary breakfast with a selection of Western and Eastern cuisines, top-notch restaurants, beautiful regular and infinity pools overlooking the sea, while some have their own private beaches.

Beach and beyond

Once checked in, unpack and hit the poolside, lounge with your favorite novel, cocktail on the side and savor the midday sun. Then wind down further with a Dream Forest Langkawi night walk – a 1.2-kilometer (0.75-mile) illuminated trail through an ancient rainforest. With lights, soundscapes and immersive storytelling through animation, it blends the island’s history with legends – perfect for adults and young children alike.

Kilim Geoforest Park is one of Langkawi Geopark’s three main conservation areas, Langkawi, Malaysia, Dec. 9, 2025. (Photo: Sudib Sontoran)

Kilim Geoforest Park is one of Langkawi Geopark’s three main conservation areas, Langkawi, Malaysia, Dec. 9, 2025. (Photo: Sudib Sontoran)

Next stop is the Kilim Geoforest Park, one of Langkawi Geopark’s three main conservation areas besides Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park.

Kilim feels like waking inside a real-life documentary of a mangrove forest, consisting of limestone caves and snaking rivers. The lush mangroves greet you first with their arching greenery, breathing roots and long-tailed macaques perched on branches and cliffs. Boats shuffle in and out of the numerous narrow channels, some of which can only be accessed at high tide.

One of the must-sees in Kilim is the Kelawar Cave, or the bat cave, a 60-meter (196.85-foot) limestone tunnel that houses hundreds of roosting bats. Inside, water drips steadily from stalactites to stalagmites, a slow conversation between stone and gravity. Watch your head inside the cave and when you exit, make sure to look up and you’ll spot a cycad – the so-called living fossil – clinging to a cliff face.

Back on the boat, the winding channels then carry you to an open gallery of natural sculptures, the Baby Face Rock, watched over by a larger, sterner Apache Face Rock. You may also explore the rows of busy floating fish farms and restaurants, awkwardly juxtaposed with a half-submerged boat and a visibly rundown dining deck.

Once ashore, top off your mangrove tour with a glass of delicious fresh coconut water or the Malaysian special, coconut shake!

One of Langkawi’s most dramatic proofs of transformation from its agricultural roots to an almost entirely tourism-dependent economy stands at 660 meters above sea level: the Langkawi SkyBridge at the peak of Gunung Mat Chinchang.

A 30-minute drive from Kuah town and 15 minutes from Langkawi International Airport, the 125-meter pedestrian bridge, a marvel of modern engineering, can be reached by the 2.2-kilometer Langkawi SkyCab.

The Sky-Bridge is a curved pedestrian cable-stayed bridge on the west coast of the island, Langkawi, Malaysia, Dec. 29, 2019. (Getty Images Photo)

The Sky-Bridge is a curved pedestrian cable-stayed bridge on the west coast of the island, Langkawi, Malaysia, Dec. 29, 2019. (Getty Images Photo)

Ancient cliffs

The SkyCab base station is located at the Oriental Village, a themed shopping center. From there, visitors can ride above the ancient Machincang range to first reach the newly opened Eagle’s Nest Skywalk, an observation deck made entirely of glass. It lets you hover over deep valleys, take in the surrounding mountains, while a Malaysian flag flutters proudly in the wind.

From the Eagle’s Nest, the SkyCab gondolas take visitors up to the SkyBridge, which offers panoramic views that stretch toward the Andaman Sea, surrounding islands and on a clear day into southern Thailand.

After a day in the highlands, unwind with a sunset dinner cruise or explore one of Langkawi’s night markets, famous for their selection of fresh fruits – from durians to rambutans – or freshly cooked local food, like Malaysia’s national dish nasi lemak, as well as satay and roti canai.

The Eagle’s Nest offers panoramic views that stretch toward the Andaman Sea, surrounding islands and on a clear day into southern Thailand, Langkawi, Malaysia, Dec. 9, 2025. (Photo by Sudib Sontoran)

The Eagle’s Nest offers panoramic views that stretch toward the Andaman Sea, surrounding islands and on a clear day into southern Thailand, Langkawi, Malaysia, Dec. 9, 2025. (Photo by Sudib Sontoran)

Finally, no Langkawi tour is complete without a day of island hopping on a Jet Ski and soaking up the sun at some of its unspoiled sea beaches.

Head off to Pantai Cenang for a thrilling hourslong guided tour across the island’s turquoise waters and explore up to eight islands, from the famous Tasik Dayang Bunting or Pregnant Maiden Lake, to the echo wall and other smaller islands, with stops for swimming, sightseeing and watching Langkawi’s symbol, the Brahminy kites in action.

Langkawi is famous for its world-renowned coastline, where the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea meet some of the world’s oldest rock formations and some of the softest white sand in Southeast Asia.

Pantai Cenang serves as the island’s most famous and developed beach, stretching over 2 kilometers with fine, flour-like sand.

Pantai Tanjung Rhu sits on the northern coast and the water here is notably clearer than on the western coast and the surrounding much quieter, Langkawi, Malaysia, Dec. 10, 2025. (Photo: Sudib Sontoran)

Pantai Tanjung Rhu sits on the northern coast and the water here is notably clearer than on the western coast and the surrounding much quieter, Langkawi, Malaysia, Dec. 10, 2025. (Photo: Sudib Sontoran)

During the day, it is defined by the hum of Jet Skis, the colorful kites of parasailers dotting the horizon and a shoreline lined with duty-free shops and beach bars. In the evening, the beach transforms into a travelers’ hot spot as people gather to watch the sunset.

For those seeking a more cinematic and tranquil escape, Pantai Tanjung Rhu sits on the northern coast, coved by ancient limestone crags that rise from the sea. The water here is notably clearer than on the western coast and the surrounding much quieter, making it the top choice for beach-goers who want to enjoy the sun, sand and sound of the waves.

No Langkawi tour is complete without a day of soaking up the sun at some of its pristine sea beaches, Langkawi, Malaysia, Dec. 10, 2025. (Photo: Sudib Sontoran)

No Langkawi tour is complete without a day of soaking up the sun at some of its pristine sea beaches, Langkawi, Malaysia, Dec. 10, 2025. (Photo: Sudib Sontoran)

5 must-do’s in Langkawi

Visit the Kilim Geoforest Park

Soak up the sun at Pantai Tanjung Rhu

Ride a cable car to the Langkawi SkyBridge

Go island hopping on a Jet Ski from Pantai Cenang

Walk the Dream Forest Langkawi night trail



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Rome adds fee for close-up views of Trevi Fountain

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Tourists hoping to get close to the Trevi Fountain have to pay 2 euros ($2.35) starting Monday as the city of Rome inaugurated a new fee structure to help raise money and control crowds at one of the world’s most celebrated waterworks.

The first tourists to pass through the new ticket check seemed unfazed by the tariff, noting it was a small price to pay for quality access to a fountain made famous by Federico Fellini’s movie “La Dolce Vita.”

“Before, there were problems accessing the fountain. There were a lot of people. Now, it’s very easy,” said Ilhan Musbah, a tourist from Morocco. “You can take photos, you feel good, you’re comfortable, and on top of that, 2 euros is not much.”

The tourist fee was rolled out in conjunction with a new 5-euro tourist ticket fee for some city museums. In both cases, Rome residents are exempt from the fees and the extra revenue will actually expand the number of city-run museums that are free for registered Roman residents.

It’s all part of the Eternal City’s efforts to manage tourist flows in a particularly congested part of town, improve the experience and offset the maintenance costs of preserving all of Rome’s cultural heritage. Officials estimate it could net the city 6.5 million euros extra a year.

The city decided to impose the Trevi Fountain fee after seeing positive results already from a yearlong experiment to stagger and limit the number of visitors who can reach the front edge of the basin by imposing lines and pathways for entrance and exit.

“I think tourists were shocked by the fact that the city of Rome is only asking for 2 euros for a site of this level,” Alessandro Onorato, Rome’s assessor of tourism, said Monday. “I believe that if the Trevi Fountain were in New York, they would have charged at least $100.”

The fee follows a similar ticketing system at Rome’s Pantheon monument and the more complicated tourist day-tripper tax that the lagoon city of Venice imposed last year in a bid to ease overtourism and make the city more livable for residents. The Italian fees still pale in comparison to the 45% price hike that French authorities announced for the Louvre Museum for most non-European visitors, where tickets can now run to 32 euros from 22 euros.

The Trevi fee, which can be paid in advance online, enables tourists to get close to the fountain during prime-time daylight hours. The view for those admiring the late Baroque masterpiece from the piazza above remains free, as it is up close after hours.

The towering fountain features the Titan god Oceanus flanked by falls cascading down the travertine rocks into a shallow turquoise pool, where Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg famously took their nighttime dip in “La Dolce Vita.”

While bathing is prohibited nowadays, legend has it that visitors who toss a coin over their shoulders and make a wish will return to Rome.

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Cappadocia draws crowds as Göreme Museum sees visitor surge

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The Göreme Open-Air Museum in Nevşehir, one of Türkiye’s most visited museums, welcomed 1,187,016 domestic and international visitors last year.

Known for its rock-cut churches, monasteries, chapels and colorful frescoes, the museum attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists annually. It ranks among the top three most visited museums in Türkiye under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, drawing visitors from around the world.

According to data from the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, visitor numbers at the museum were as follows: 55,180 in January, 41,404 in February, 70,516 in March, 129,533 in April, 152,122 in May, 110,234 in June, 93,232 in July, 115,702 in August, 126,265 in September, 148,775 in October, 96,555 in November and 47,498 in December.

For comparison, the museum welcomed 1,133,858 visitors in 2024.

A general view of the Göreme Open-Air Museum, Nevşehir, Türkiye, Jan. 19, 2026. (AA Photo)

A general view of the Göreme Open-Air Museum, Nevşehir, Türkiye, Jan. 19, 2026. (AA Photo)

One of the most visited museums

Tour guide Yunus Kervan, who introduces visitors to the site, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the Göreme Open-Air Museum is a central tourism hub in the heart of Cappadocia.

“The museum draws visitors from all over the world due to its historical sites,” Kervan said. “The original frescoes in the country’s first monasteries and churches date back to the 11th and 12th centuries, making this place particularly significant. There are about 12 churches here, but we typically tour six: St. Basil, Barbara, Apple, Snake and Dark Churches. The most important is the Dark Church. Its name comes from the fact that sunlight rarely enters, which has preserved the paintings exceptionally well. Last year, 1,187,000 tourists visited. Most are from China and South Korea, but visitors also come from Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Europe and Latin America. This is one of the most visited museums in Türkiye.”

Tour guide Mustafa Soner Menekşe highlighted the museum’s unique structures, carved into volcanic tuff centuries ago.

“Göreme Open-Air Museum is historically significant. It is located within a national park that features artifacts from the Byzantine, Roman, Seljuk and Ottoman periods. Visitors can see how people of different faiths – Christian and Muslim – once lived together. We explain this in detail and visitors begin to appreciate and love the site as they explore it,” Menekşe said.

Argentine tourist Dario Adler, visiting Cappadocia for the first time, described the museum as a powerful experience.

“There is a very strong feeling here,” Adler said. “The story is so compelling that it makes you reflect on history. I highly recommend that everyone visit this museum.”

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2 hotels, 2 rising chefs, 1 delicious Istanbul journey

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Rising above the Bosporus slopes in Mecidiyeköy, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul is one of the city’s most convenient luxury addresses perfectly positioned for both business travelers and weekend escape seekers. With 209 rooms and suites, the hotel combines contemporary architecture with high ceilings and an airy sense of space, creating an atmosphere that feels instantly comfortable and genuinely uplifting from the moment you check in.

Kemal Can Yurttaş, the Fairmont Quasar Istanbul's celebrity chef and Executive Chef of Aila. (Courtesy of İlker Topdemir)

Kemal Can Yurttaş, the Fairmont Quasar Istanbul’s celebrity chef and Executive Chef of Aila. (Courtesy of İlker Topdemir)

The property is entering an exciting new chapter this year with the appointment of its young and dynamic general manager, Cem Akşahin. With a refreshed team spirit and a new communications partnership with Yöntem PR, Fairmont Quasar is clearly set to be one of Istanbul’s most talked-about hotels in the months ahead.

Beyond the rooms, the hotel’s culinary scene is one of its strongest calling cards. Guests can move between different worlds in a single day: from the award-winning Aila, a modern showcase of Turkish cuisine, to Ukiyo, the stylish Far Eastern restaurant located on the terrace floor. For a more relaxed rhythm, Demlique offers a refined setting for afternoon tea, along with all-day coffee, tea and pastries, while the elegant Marble Bar keeps the night going until 1 a.m.

A chef prepares dishes at Aila restaurant. (Courtesy of İlker Topdemir)

A chef prepares dishes at Aila restaurant. (Courtesy of İlker Topdemir)

Wellness is equally impressive. The Fairmont Spa, located on the lower level, spans 2,000 square meters, offering a true city sanctuary for those who want to reset between meetings, shopping and Istanbul’s fast-paced energy.

And then there is the name everyone in the culinary scene is watching: Kemal Can Yurttaş, the hotel’s celebrity chef and Executive Chef of Aila. Despite his young age, both he and the restaurant have already collected an extraordinary number of accolades. His passion for the kitchen began at just 15, and after years of training, television experience, and working in some of Türkiye’s leading restaurants, he has created something genuinely special at Aila.

Selective highlights from Aila restaurant’s menu at Fairmont Quasar Istanbul. (Courtesy of İlker Topdemir)

Selective highlights from Aila restaurant’s menu at Fairmont Quasar Istanbul. (Courtesy of İlker Topdemir)

With its striking design, confident menu and flavors that truly stay with you, Aila is the kind of restaurant everyone should experience at least once. A standout detail is the restaurant’s in-house Spice Market, featuring over 100 spices sourced from different regions of Türkiye. These spices don’t just elevate the dishes, they also bring color, character and an irresistible aroma that fills the entire space.

An interior view of a guest room at Fairmont Quasar Istanbul. (Courtesy of İlker Topdemir)

An interior view of a guest room at Fairmont Quasar Istanbul. (Courtesy of İlker Topdemir)

Aila’s success story continues to grow. The restaurant began in 2026 on a high note with recognitions, including a Michelin recommendation, a 4-toque rating and the prestigious Gault&Millau awards, proof that Istanbul’s new generation of culinary talent is not only rising fast, but also redefining the city’s gourmet identity.

An interior view of a guest room at Fairmont Quasar Istanbul. (Courtesy of İlker Topdemir)

An interior view of a guest room at Fairmont Quasar Istanbul. (Courtesy of İlker Topdemir)

Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet

A Timeless Icon in the Heart of Old Istanbul set in the very heart of historic Istanbul, Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet may be housed in a beautifully restored heritage building, but the moment you step inside, the experience feels effortlessly modern. With its refined architecture, warm atmosphere and a team that welcomes you as if you were coming home, it is undoubtedly one of the finest Four Seasons properties in the world.

Chef Özgür Üstün prepares signature dishes at Avlu Restaurant, Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet. (Courtesy of İlker Topdemir)

Chef Özgür Üstün prepares signature dishes at Avlu Restaurant, Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet. (Courtesy of İlker Topdemir)

With only 65 rooms, the hotel delivers a true boutique luxury experience. It offers an intimate spa, the elegant Avlu Restaurant, the all-day dining concept Lingo Lingo and a rooftop terrace bar that becomes especially magical during the summer months. The entire property gives you the feeling of living inside history, yet without ever sacrificing comfort. For the most unforgettable stay, the terraced suites are simply spectacular.

The roof terrace at Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet. (Courtesy of İlker Topdemir)

The roof terrace at Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet. (Courtesy of İlker Topdemir)

A major part of the hotel’s charm comes from its general manager, Serap Akkuş. Everything she touches seems to become more beautiful, more thoughtful and more refined. From the guest rooms to the public spaces, you can truly feel a graceful attention to detail, almost like a signature feminine elegance shaping the entire hotel.

The Four Seasons Hotel also hosts one of Sultanahmet’s most impressive culinary destinations, Avlu Restaurant, led by the talented young chef Özgür Üstün. Despite his age, he has already turned Avlu into an award-winning dining address with what can only be described as “magic hands.”

Stuffed grape leaves are served as fine dining at Avlu Restaurant, Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet. (Courtesy of İlker Topdemir)

Stuffed grape leaves are served as fine dining at Avlu Restaurant, Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet. (Courtesy of İlker Topdemir)

Located on the eastern side of Sultanahmet Square, the hotel itself is a landmark. The building once stood as the grand Sultanahmet Prison, built over the ruins of the Byzantine Palace, and today has transformed into one of the city’s most iconic luxury hotels. Avlu Restaurant sits in the hotel’s lush green courtyard, surrounded by the property’s striking architecture, its vivid yellow exterior, tower, arched windows and traditional tile details.

Avlu’s menu celebrates classic Anatolian cuisine, reimagined through modern techniques, and the restaurant’s stone oven adds both authenticity and character to the experience. The setting is completed with bronze accents, dome-like transitions, and a spacious garden decorated with seasonal flowers. The stone oven pays nostalgic tribute to traditional cooking methods, while candlelit tables bring a romantic glow to evening dinners.

Many of Avlu’s natural products are sourced from women entrepreneurs across different cities in Türkiye, turning every plate into not only a culinary pleasure but also a story of local craftsmanship and community. From its Michelin recognition to the many awards that followed, Avlu has truly earned every bit of its success.

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Türkiye’s ‘King’s Daughter’ bath: 2,000-year-old Roman spa

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The Basilica Therma Roman Bath, also known locally as the “King’s Daughter,” welcomed approximately 50,000 visitors in 2025, according to officials. The bath, listed on UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage list, is located in Sarıkaya, a district of Yozgat province in Central Anatolia.

Dating back to the Roman Empire, the bath is believed to have healed the daughter of a king who once ruled in nearby Kayseri. The princess, said to have suffered from a relentless illness, gave the site its enduring nickname, “King’s Daughter.” The bath is renowned for its unique architecture and thermal waters, which have flowed at around 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) for more than 2,000 years.

A general view of Basilica Therma Roman Bath, also known locally as the

A general view of Basilica Therma Roman Bath, also known locally as the “King’s Daughter,” in Yozgat, central Türkiye, Jan. 15, 2026. (AA Photo)

Following environmental and restoration work that began in 2022 under the supervision of the Yozgat Museum Directorate and was completed in August 2024, the bath has become a popular attraction. Recent cold weather and snowfall created striking visuals of steam rising from the thermal waters, captured by drones.

Yozgat Governor Mehmet Ali Özkan told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the province is committed to promoting both Turkish culture and ancient civilizations. “In Anatolia, we continue to highlight our own heritage while uncovering the legacies of ancient civilizations for the benefit of the province, the country and humanity,” he said.

Governor Özkan emphasized the bath’s growing popularity. “A facility like this exists only in England as well. With its hot waters and unique appeal, it drew nearly 50,000 visitors last year. We hope this number will rise to 100,000 or even 200,000 in the coming years,” he said, noting that the site also contributes significantly to the local economy and commerce.

Expressing gratitude to those involved in the bath’s restoration, Özkan added, “At the heart of Anatolia, in our ancient city, we continue to develop our tourism resources for the benefit of our people. We also plan to bring the Kazankaya Valley, long discussed in the region, to tourism next year.”

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Türkiye’s Göbeklitepe to welcome more Chinese visitors in 2026

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Efforts are underway to attract more Chinese tourists to Göbeklitepe in southeastern Türkiye, the 12,000-year-old archaeological site described as the “zero point of history” and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Officials anticipate an increase in visitors from China in 2026, following the implementation of a visa exemption for citizens of the People’s Republic of China.

Şanlıurfa Culture and Tourism director Aydın Aslan told Anadolu Agency (AA) that tourists from East Asia generally have a strong interest in cultural tourism.

“This gives Şanlıurfa significant potential for Chinese visitors,” Aslan said. “Starting next year, we expect to welcome more Chinese tourists to the region.”

Aslan added that preparations have already begun.

“We believe that government initiatives such as the visa exemption for Chinese citizens will boost tourism in the region by attracting travelers from the Far East. China is the world’s largest target market for cultural tourism and we are focusing our efforts on this market. In particular, for 2026 and 2027, we will increase promotional activities in China under the Şanlıurfa ‘Taş Tepeler’ Project.”

An excavation site is seen in Göbeklitepe in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa, southeastern Türkiye, Jan. 18, 2026. (AA Photo)

An excavation site is seen in Göbeklitepe in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa, southeastern Türkiye, Jan. 18, 2026. (AA Photo)

Tourism sector sees boost

Local tourism operator Müslüm Çoban noted that Chinese travelers are among the world’s most frequent tourists.

“Even before the visa exemption, Chinese visitors showed interest in Şanlıurfa,” he said. “With the visa facilitation in 2026, we expect their numbers to rise further. Recently, Chinese officials have also visited Şanlıurfa. China supports the Taş Tepeler Project both financially and through human resources. We anticipate that more Chinese citizens will visit our region in 2026.”

Çoban emphasized the appeal of Şanlıurfa for Chinese tourists, highlighting its archaeological sites, cultural heritage and cuisine. “Chinese visitors enjoy sightseeing, photography, and fine food. Şanlıurfa offers all of these. We look forward to welcoming our Chinese guests to Şanlıurfa, Göbeklitepe, and other excavation sites.”

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Northern Türkiye tourism triumphs with taste, history, scenery

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The districts of Safranbolu in Karabük and Amasra in Bartın, located in northern Türkiye and known for their natural beauty and culinary traditions, closed 2025 with record-breaking tourist numbers. Both districts are popular destinations, with Safranbolu listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Amasra, famous for its pristine coves, clean beaches and calm sea, attracted nearly 3 million domestic and international visitors last year. Safranbolu, renowned for its historical sites, welcomed over 3 million tourists, marking an increase of approximately 500,000 visitors in each district compared to the previous year.

Safranbolu

Often referred to as the “fingerprint of the Ottoman Empire” for its reflection of Ottoman architecture, city life and culture, Safranbolu offers visitors a journey back in time. The town, which functions as an “open-air museum,” preserves inns, baths, mosques, fountains and bridges from the Ottoman period, as well as mansions built between the 18th and 20th centuries.

“2025 was a good year for tourism,” said Şebnem Urgancıoğlu, president of the Safranbolu Tourism Operators Association. She noted a nearly 5% increase in foreign tourists staying overnight and more than 3 million day visitors.

“While these are promising figures, we are not content. We will continue working with all our institutions, the government and the municipality to achieve even better results,” she said.

Thanks to markets in East Asia, Safranbolu experiences year-round tourist activity. Visitors from Taiwan, China and Thailand form the largest group of international tourists. Urgancıoğlu added that the district continues to participate in tourism fairs, including EMITT in Istanbul and ITB Berlin in Germany, to promote the region globally.

The municipality also works with multiple institutions on the “Purple Flag Project,” which focuses on quality and sustainable tourism. Urgancıoğlu highlighted plans to improve visitor centers and address traffic and parking challenges in the coming year.

Amasra: Coastal beauty

Amasra, historically founded as “Sesamos” by Phoenicians in the 12th century B.C., boasts relics from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Genoese, Seljuk and Ottoman periods. Its historic castle was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List in 2013.

The district is famous for its untouched coves, clean beaches and seafood-centered cuisine. Last year, the completion of the “Amasra Port Passenger Terminal and Marina” project by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure contributed to nearly 3 million visitors, including 500,000 overnight guests and 30,000 cruise ship passengers.

“Amasra is like the showcase of the Black Sea region,” said Melih Saylam, president of the Amasra Culture and Tourism Association. “It’s fortunate not only for its sea, sand, and sun but also for its history and gastronomy.”

Saylam cited a historic anecdote from the conquest of Amasra by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, who reportedly called it “the apple of the world.” During the summer months, the district’s population swells from 6,000 to 60,000. Cruise ship arrivals over the past 3.5 years have further boosted tourism, adding around 30,000 visitors annually.

Local restaurateur Mete Ayyıldız said that holiday and summer seasons brought strong business, with visitors admiring Amasra’s nature, seafood and signature salads.

“In winter, guests come to enjoy the historical sites and culinary offerings. The colder sea makes the fish even more delicious. Our Amasra salad has become a brand. Amasra, with its fish and salad, is a point of pride for our region,” he said.

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