The port city of Antalya in southern Turkey is establishing itself as a ‘golf tourism’ hub beyond its traditional vacation spots.
According to the Antalya Tourism Investors Association (BETUYAB), the Belek area, known for its concentration of golf resorts, aims for 560,000 rounds (145,000 players) in 2025.
Factors such as infrastructure density, history of international competitions, climate, and the all-inclusive model are key elements elevating Antalya Belek to a ‘365-day golf hub.’ However, the availability of flight seats, development of non-European markets, and seasonal demand distribution are expected to be crucial for future sustainable growth.
◇ Enhancing ‘course’ management level through international competitions … accessibility increases within 15 minutes by car
Belek has 11 golf clubs operating 17 championship courses. The flagship facility, Regnum Carya Golf & Resort, resumed the DP World Tour 'Turkiye Open' in May after a six-year hiatus. With the return of world-class players, both the level of course management and international exposure have increased.
Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, there is sunshine for more than 300 days a year, but as demand increases to avoid high temperatures in midsummer, some courses have installed night lighting facilities. Carya, Montgomery Max Royal, and Kurly Links are representative examples. They are designed to secure tee times for up to 18 hours to manage peak season visitors and adjust lighting height to allow for a clear view of the ball's flight trajectory.
Belek is designated as a tourism special zone led by the government, with most golf courses and five-star resorts developed along the coastline. As a result, other courses can be accessed within 10 to 15 minutes by car from the accommodation. The links course 'Lycian Links,' located on the outskirts, is also accessible within 30 minutes. This dense structure is efficient for long-distance visitors seeking to play multiple courses during their stay.
◇ Introduction of ‘all-inclusive’ pricing … need to resolve summer air supply shortages
Most Belek resorts adopt an all-inclusive pricing model that includes accommodation, meals, drinks, and green fees. This reduces additional payment procedures, enhancing convenience during the stay, which led to increases in the length of stay and spending. Recently, resorts have fortified amenities such as water parks and adventure parks targeting families and non-golfing companions.
However, the Antalya government faces several challenges to expand the tourist base. It needs to widen the demand, which has been centered on the United Kingdom and Germany, to Eastern Europe and Asia, while resolving the summer air supply shortage.
Antalya Airport has limited direct flight routes besides layovers in Istanbul and Ankara. The industry is working to increase charter flights with Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines, and is aiming to expand codeshare agreements with major hubs in the United States and Southeast Asia. Securing airline seats is considered a prerequisite for expanding into non-European markets.
As of 2024, the visitor composition is 28% from the United Kingdom, 21% from Germany, and 19% from Russia, accounting for 68%. The industry is operating dedicated agencies for Eastern Europe such as Poland and the Czech Republic, and is searching for promotional partners targeting Korea, Japan, and China.