Turkish resort city of Antalya named D-8 organization's Tourism City of Year 2025

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye's resort city of Antalya has received the 2025 Tourism City of the Year Award of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, the country’s culture and tourism minister announced on Thursday.

This unique city, which has hosted countless civilizations from ancient times to the present, continues to blend its cultural richness with natural beauty, offering visitors an unforgettable experience, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said on X.

Antalya becomes the first Turkish city to achieve such an award, Ersoy said, adding that it is also one of the world’s most sought-after tourism destinations.

The minister also expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to this "significant achievement."

The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, also known as Developing-8, is an organization for development cooperation among Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Türkiye.

The Mediterranean city of Antalya in southern Türkiye hosted 16.5 million tourists last year. Known as a jewel of the Turkish riviera, it now aims to exceed 17 million tourists in 2024.

Antalya hosts tourists from more than 180 countries worldwide, including Russia, Germany, Britain, Poland, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Romania, and Ukraine.