Authorities planning big to make Canakkale islands winter tourism hub
On the two islands, which are traditional summer hotspots due to their unspoiled nature and golden sands, the tourist season lasts for four months. Now the goal is to extend it to the winter season, too.
The biggest island in Turkey, Gökçeada, which spans an area of 285 square kilometres, is always crowded in the summers. The island has become one of the most important destinations for windsurfing enthusiasts with its 92-kilometer coastline.
Ten facilities with certificates from the ministry have a capacity of 378 beds in 186 rooms. There are 266 rooms and 633 beds in 14 facilities with the municipality’s certificates. And there are 26 pensions and 189 rooms with 459 beds.
Bozcaada, which is the only district in Turkey without a village, is the third largest island in the country. The island, one of the most important centers of viniculture and grape cultivation with its 40 square kilometre surface, hosts hundreds of thousands of local and foreign tourists during the summer season.
Five facilities on the island with operating licenses from the ministry have 60 rooms and a 126-bed capacity. Fifty-three facilities with municipal certifications serve with a total of 1,390 beds in 633 rooms. The 139 guesthouse hosts guests with 835 rooms and 904 beds.
Speaking to state-run Anadolu Agency, Bozcaada Mayor Hakan Can Yılmaz said their long-term goal was to serve for 12 months a year.
“Because Bozcaada is not just a tourist resort, it is a district and an island where Greek and Turkish peoples have shared experiences for many years. We are doing many things to extend this tourism, especially starting from the spring season. This includes important sports organizations, squid festivals and film festivals. In the coming days, we are planning to make fishing and sea-related events,” Yılmaz said.
He said they received reservations prior to the semester break as those who want to be away from the stress of metropolitans come to Bozcaada. Stating that they had many summer tourism activities, Yılmaz reiterated they were working to draw more people in winter, too.
Gökçeada Mayor Ünal Çetin said the island was an important tourism centre, adding, “Gökçeada is ready to become the capital of winter tourism.”
“Gökçeada is one of the most important tourism locations in the world. Çanakkale’s tourism share is very low. This is why I think that a 100-year plan should be done.
Çanakkale is home to the ancient city of Troy, two islands, Kaz Mountains, a sea and a strait,” Çetin added.
Stating that the island was on its way to become a brand in the field of winter sports, Çetin said windsurfing was possible on the island until the end of November and that they hosted tourists particularly from Romania, Bulgaria and Greece.
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