Otelz.com, the leading hotel booking platform for holidays in Türkiye, today has revealed its list of lesser-known destinations that are set for a surge in 2025. With UK tourism booming in the country, Otelz has seen holiday bookings made by UK guests increase by a staggering 31% since 2023.

Türkiye’s answer to Booking.com, Otelz is the country’s first global online travel agent and a trusted advocate of Turkish hospitality and tourism. In 2023, Otelz set out to bring its expertise to the UK market with the launch of its first UK-based office, and in 2024 alone, 1,500 new hotels joined the platform.

Bertan Aner, Founder & CEO, said: “Our data confirms the continual growth of the UK market share of tourism in Türkiye, but not only in the typical summer hotspots you expect. Whilst Bodrum was booming this year, we also saw a marked increase in reservations in some surprising, lesser-known destinations such as Çeşme, Manavgat, Ayvalık, Kemer and Alanya.”

Five lesser-known destinations in Türkiye are ones to watch for 2025

Holiday hotspots including the much-loved Fethiye, Bodrum, Antalya, Belek, Marmaris and Kuşadasi remained popular amongst UK travellers, with the booking platform witnessing a 31% YOY increase in bookings for these destinations throughout 2024’s summer season.

However, Otelz’ booking data revealed that a number of lesser-known spots were also hot on the radar of British travellers this year, who opted to swap the manicured resorts of Antalya and Bodrum for charming small towns and undiscovered shores. Destinations travellers should be considering for 2025 include:

Çeşme Peninsula, the unexpected epicentre of Türkiye’s latest food scene

Once a quaint town and secret surfing paradise, famous for its golden beaches and sapphire seas; Çeşme is now a thriving peninsula located west of Izmir. Home to excellent local seafood and produce, Çeşme has become a haven of Aegean-inspired restaurants, as well as charming boutique hotels and beach clubs favoured by locals.

Manavgat, where an aquatic adventure awaits

Situated on the Manavgat River, this city is perfect for travellers looking for cooler temperatures, yet high-octane adventure. Cruise along the river by boat, test out water-rafting skills or take a swim in the deep turquoise waters and waterfalls. Nearby, travellers can explore the ancient ruins of Side, home to an impressive Greek amphitheatre and the Temples of Apollo and Athena. 

Ayvalık, the cobble-stone town on the Aegean

A traditional port town on the North-western Aegean coast, visitors to Ayavlik do not have to venture far to find a maze of cobblestone streets leading to hidden market squares, atmospheric cafes and colourful shuttered doors concealing traditional boutique hotels and converted Greek Orthodox churches.

Alanya, the city of beaches and bazaars

A rocky peninsula dominated by Medieval buildings and a striking castle, Alanya’s beaches are lined with chic cocktail bars, restaurants and hotels, and a vibrant shopping scene, while visitors can absorb the local culture in-land at the traditional bazaars and live music venues.

Kemer, an off-grid oasis for Turkish nomads

At the foot of the majestic Taurus mountain lies the coastal resort of Kemer. Approximately 40-miles southeast of Antalya, travellers can enjoy a walk along the promenade and watch traditional carpet weavers at work, and sample the delights of Türkiye including ayran (yogurt drink) and gözleme (pancakes).

The UK is Türkiye’s top source market for tourists, according to the Ministry of Tourism. The recent announcement by Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, reported that during the first 8-months of 2024, Türkiye welcomed 3.7 million UK visitors, (growth of 17% YOY), driving a 7% increase in tourism revenue for the region.

With UK visits firmly on the rise in Türkiye, Otelz’ is a one-stop-shop to book your next trip to Türkiye, thanks to the platform’s destination expertise, advanced booking technology including AI integration, and usability (payments are accepted in 20 currencies, and the website can be browsed in 13 languages).

For more information, visit www.otelz.com.