Tourism: Thousands of Turkish Tourists Expected on Northern Aegean Islands in the Coming Days

Turkish visitors have been arriving at the islands of the northern Aegean since yesterday. Hundreds of Turkish citizens, mainly from the major coastal cities and Istanbul, are coming to the islands to celebrate the Muslim festival of Şeker Bayramı, celebrated this year from April 6 to April 14.

The influx is expected to increase in the coming days, with particular significance as it coincides with the implementation of the express visa issuance process for visitors from Turkey.

In Lesvos, around 600 people arrived on three routes, of which approximately 10% were issued express visas at the port of Mytilene on the island. The arrivals of Turkish visitors in Lesvos will peak by the end of the week starting tomorrow. In total, more than 5,000 visitors are expected, with over 500 express visas estimated to be issued on arrival at the port of Mytilene. On Thursday alone, more than 2,000 people are expected from Ayvalık.

Similarly, there was a substantial influx of Turkish visitors today at the ports of Chios from Cesme and Samos from Kusadasi.

The pilot program for seven-day express visas for Turkish citizens visiting 10 islands in the eastern Aegean began on April 1. These islands include Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kos, Rhodes, Symi, Kastellorizo, Lemnos, Kalymnos, and Leros. Express visa issuance will be available year-round, with implementation starting individually on each island as their systems are prepared to receive visitors.

Source: tovima.com