Turkey destination of Ukrainian tourists amid COVID-19

By Durmus Genc

MUGLA, Turkey (AA) - With necessary measures in place amid the coronavirus pandemic, holiday destinations in western Turkey are welcoming Ukrainian tourists.

The first group of Ukrainian tourists arrived in Mugla province on April 28 to spend their two-week holiday in Fethiye and Marmaris districts.

“I especially admire Marmaris. I spend my holidays in Mugla and I love it,” Tatyana Skrayvien, one of the tourists, told Anadolu Agency while praising measures taken against COVID-19. “We feel safe here."

Natali Suveyt, another Ukrainian tourist, said they chose Mugla for a pleasant holiday. “This is my seventh time in Turkey. It leads the countries that are fighting against coronavirus."

Dimitri Movcan has come to Mugla for the first time with his family. “Mugla is an ideal place for vacation ... I'm excited."

Cengiz Tugrul Ayaz, the director-general of YDA Dalaman Airport, an international airport and one of three serving southwest Turkey, said most of the tourists visiting the city each year are from the UK, Russia, and Ukraine.

“We expect 8,500 Ukrainian tourists in the region until May 17,” he said.

Around 160,000 Ukrainian passengers would come to Dalaman during the holiday season according to bookings, he added.

*Writing by Sena Guler in Ankara