Urla Artichoke Festival has given a boost to tourism.

Kemal Binici, President of the Urla Hotel Owners Association, stated that the 12th International Urla Artichoke Festival resulted in 100% occupancy rates for hotels in the district, making a significant contribution to the local economy.

KEMAL ÖZKURT - SPECIAL REPORT / Urla, one of the most important stops on İzmir's tourism and gastronomy route, opened its doors to visitors with the 12th International Urla Artichoke Festival. The massive event, spanning May 1-3, began today, and the town's historic squares and narrow streets were flooded with thousands of local and foreign tourists from the first light of dawn. The festival, which promotes the region's unique registered mastic artichoke and provides significant support to local producers, also marks the official opening of the tourism season in the district. Kemal Binici, President of the Urla Hotel Owners Association, stated that hotels in Urla have reached 100% occupancy during the festival and expressed his satisfaction with the strong start to the season. Binici stated that the festival makes a significant contribution to Urla's economy, saying, "Despite all the difficulties, we will continue to host our guests in the best possible way throughout the season without compromising on the quality of our service. With hotel occupancy rates approaching 100%, the festival's contribution to Urla's tourism is once again evident."

ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES ARE COMPLETELY FULL.

Binici stated that boutique hotels and accommodation facilities throughout Urla were fully booked months in advance of the festival, emphasizing the importance of this activity for the district's economy. Noting that all businesses are working at a hectic pace to meet the increased demand, Binici said, “Achieving such a high occupancy rate at the start of the season is very valuable for us. Despite all the difficulties, we will continue to host our guests in the best possible way throughout the season without compromising on the quality of our service. With occupancy rates in our hotels approaching 100%, the festival's contribution to Urla tourism is once again evident.”

THE POWER OF GASTRONOMY AND LOCAL PRODUCTION

Stating that Urla's recognition as a gastronomic center on the international stage in recent years is due to its local production and high-quality culinary culture, Mayor Binici noted that the boutique hotel concept is integrated with this culture. Binici said, “Urla, which is getting stronger every year in the field of gastronomy, stands out especially with its local production and high-quality culinary culture. This development, combined with the quality and unique service concept offered by the boutique hotels in the region, offers guests a privileged accommodation experience. Our guests not only stay here, but also have the opportunity to experience the flavors from Urla's soil in the most professional way.”

URLA AIMS FOR FOUR-SEASON TOURISM.

Binici stated that they are working to extend the synergy created by the festival throughout the year and reminded everyone that Urla has a unique beauty in every season, not just in spring. He added, “We invite all our local and foreign visitors to explore and stay in Urla, which stands out with its nature, gastronomy, and peaceful atmosphere. As Urla hoteliers, we offer our guests not just a bed, but a lifestyle and a culture. I hope this fruitful season, which began with our 12th annual artichoke festival, will be beneficial for all our business owners and the people of Urla. We invite everyone who has not yet discovered Urla's unique nature and cuisine to experience this special atmosphere.”