Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Türkiye.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
189,775 flights made from Babadağ by the end of 2024
By the end of 2024, Fethiye Babadağ, the world’s most popular paragliding center, has once again proven its status as a global hotspot for adventure tourism. Over the past year, a total of 189,775 flights were made from Babadağ, showcasing its enduring appeal despite a 19% decline in numbers compared to the previous year.
FTSO President Osman Çıralı highlighted this achievement, stating, “Paragliding flights from Babadağ reached a remarkable 189,775 this year, underscoring its significance as a key attraction in Turkish tourism.”
Babadağ’s paragliding center, with its breathtaking views and state-of-the-art cable car, continues to draw thrill-seekers from around the globe. In 2024, Turkish tourists led the way in flight numbers, followed by visitors from China, Russia, and Ukraine. Chinese tourists accounted for 15% of the flights, reflecting the destination’s growing popularity among international travelers.
Of the total flights, 122,805 were tandem flights, while 66,970 were single flights. Tourists and paragliders alike praised the unforgettable experience of soaring over Babadağ’s stunning landscapes, cementing its reputation as a must-visit destination for adrenaline enthusiasts.
Despite the slight decline, Babadağ remains a cornerstone of Fethiye’s tourism offerings, promising thrilling adventures and spectacular views for years to come.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/babadagdan-189-bin-775-ucus-gerceklesti
Visitors flood to Muğla Metropolitan Municipality’s cultural houses and historic sites
The Muğla Metropolitan Municipality continues to enrich the experiences of local and international tourists with comprehensive services aimed at boosting tourism and improving the city’s offerings. From cultural landmarks to maritime services, 2024 proved to be a remarkable year for tourism in Muğla.
Cultural Houses Attract Thousands
Cultural houses and historic sites managed by the municipality have remained popular attractions. The Osman Hamdi Bey Cultural House welcomed 3,403 visitors, while the Bozüyük Cultural House drew 10,608 guests. The Belen Coffee House in Gevenes, famously associated with the “Ormancı” folk song, saw an impressive 53,000 visitors, making it a standout destination.
Environmental Efforts at Sea
Muğla’s commitment to preserving its pristine environment extends to its waters. The municipality’s eight waste-collection boats serviced 12,955 vessels in the Gulf of Gökova and Göcek-Dalaman Bays. A total of 7 million litres of wastewater and additional marine waste were collected, safeguarding the region’s ecological beauty.
Transportation Successes
MUTTAŞ, the municipality’s transport arm, facilitated the travel of 643,242 passengers in 2024, with 343,251 passengers travelling during the busy summer months. Meanwhile, Bodrum and Fethiye Ports handled 529,700 entries and exits, underlining Muğla’s importance as a maritime hub.
Additionally, new sea bus services launched on July 1 have provided eco-friendly and comfortable connections between Didim, Turgutreis, Bodrum, Fethiye, and Marmaris, significantly enhancing regional transportation networks.
A Vision for Global Tourism Leadership
Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Aras emphasised the region’s unparalleled appeal, stating:
“Muğla is a tourism paradise welcoming visitors year-round with its bays, ancient cities, and natural wonders. Tourism is more than sunbathing; it’s a bridge for cultural exchange. Our goal is to treat every visitor with warm hospitality and make Muğla a global tourism capital.”
Highlighting efforts to sustain and expand tourism, Mayor Aras added:
“We work tirelessly to spread tourism across all 12 months, ensuring our services meet the needs of air, land, and sea travellers. With sustainable approaches and collaborative efforts, we aim to secure Muğla’s place as a world-class destination.”
As Muğla continues to develop its infrastructure, cultural activities, and environmental initiatives, the municipality’s vision to balance growth with sustainability is paving the way for a promising future. The city stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern innovation in tourism.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/buyuksehirin-kultur-evlerine-ziyaretci-akini
New Community Centres to open in Çalıca and Kayaköy, Fethiye
Fethiye Municipality is expanding its successful “community centers” project, which has garnered widespread acclaim for fostering social engagement and offering affordable services, including tea priced at just 1 TL. The initiative will now extend to the Çalıca and Kayaköy regions, creating new spaces for locals to connect and engage.
In the Karaçulha Neighborhood’s Çalıca area, known locally as “Yörük obası,” plans are underway to build a community center that reflects the region’s cultural and social heritage. This new space aims to become a hub for residents to gather, socialize, and celebrate their traditions.
In Kayaköy, a historic building that once served as a coffeehouse will be restored and transformed into a modern community center. The project will carefully preserve the building’s historical character while equipping it to meet contemporary needs, blending tradition with innovation.
Municipal officials highlighted the success of the existing community centers, which have become vital hubs for social interaction and cultural activities. By expanding these projects to more neighborhoods, Fethiye Municipality aims to strengthen community bonds and enhance the quality of life for residents.
The new centers in Çalıca and Kayaköy are expected to further solidify Fethiye’s reputation as a model for community-focused development, offering inclusive spaces that honor both heritage and progress.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-calica-ve-kayakoye-yeni-halk-evleri-yapilacak
Dolphin found in Bartın river prompts rescue operation
Authorities have initiated rescue efforts for a dolphin presumed to have inadvertently strayed into a river in the northern province of Bartın, sparking widespread concern.
The rescue operation followed the reports of witnesses noting the dolphin’s movements along the roughly 12-kilometer riverbank to the relevant officials.
While crews continue to work to return the dolphin to the sea due to freshwater posing a risk for the well-being of the animal, they simultaneously monitor it from the shore in case it becomes frightened and harms itself.
In Türkiye, three dolphin species may be found in Istanbul’s iconic Bosphorus: Harbor porpoises, common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Striped dolphins, in addition to common and bottlenose dolphins, can also be seen year-round in the seas of the western city of Aydın’s Dilek Peninsula, which makes up the Great Menderes Delta National Park, one of the world’s most distinctive natural regions.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Antalya seeks to attract more French tourists in 2025
Antalya, one of Türkiye’s most sought-after holiday destinations, is setting its sights on the French market in a strategic push to diversify its tourism base for 2025.
Known for its pristine beaches, luxury resorts and historic landmarks, the coastal paradise is launching new initiatives to attract French travelers, among Europe’s top spenders in international tourism.
Turkish tourism authorities aim to build on the region’s record-breaking visitor numbers in 2024. Antalya hosted more than 16 million foreign tourists last year, with the majority coming from Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom.
Now, local stakeholders believe the French market presents untapped potential, thanks to its preference for culturally rich destinations and high-end travel experiences.
According to the Antalya Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, efforts will include targeted advertising campaigns, collaborations with French tour operators and increased participation in French travel expos.
Key strategies also involve enhancing air connectivity. Turkish Airlines and several budget carriers have announced plans to increase direct flights between major French cities, such as Paris, Lyon and Marseille, to Antalya.
Hotel chains in the region are also tailoring services to French visitors, including offering French-speaking staff and menus featuring regional wines and cuisine familiar to French palates.
Experts believe this diversification effort is critical for Antalya’s long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive global market.
Antalya welcomed around 176,000 tourists from France this year, with officials aiming to increase the number to 500,000 people initially and eventually reach millions in the French market.
If successful, the push could see France joining the ranks of Antalya’s top tourism markets.
Source: Hürriyet Daily News
Türkiye posts 7th consecutive inflation decline in December
Türkiye’s annual inflation rate dipped to 44.38% in December, posting the seventh consecutive decline since June 2024, according to official data released Friday.
December’s figure is below the market expectation of 45.21%, also down from November’s 47.09%, TurkStat reported.
The lowest annual inflation was seen in transportation prices at 25.88%, while the highest one was posted by education at 91.64%.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages price decreased to 43.58% year-on-year in December, versus 48.57% in November.
On a monthly basis, the consumer prices index rose at the slowest pace since May 2023 at 1.03% in December, cooling from 2.24% in November.
Stressing the importance of solving the livelihood problems of the people, Turkish Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said on X: “To this end, we have established the necessary policy framework and continue to implement the disinflation program with determination.”
“In December, inflation was 1%, the lowest level in the last 19 months. Annual inflation fell to 44.4%, 2.4 percentage points above the Central Bank’s forecast range,” he added.
Thus, inflation in 2024 fell by 20 points compared to the end of 2022 and 2023, Simsek said.
He said that the decline in inflation will continue, adding: “We expect inflation to be realized in line with our target in 2025 with the increasing support of fiscal policy, the decline in the rigidity in services inflation and the improvement in expectations.”
Source: Anadolu Agency
SPORT
Fethiyespor
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the Fethiyespor update.
Roadside parking lot transferred to Fethiyespor for revenue generation
The roadside parking lot operation, previously managed by Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, has been transferred to Fethiyespor to help generate income for the club. The operation was originally under Fethiyespor’s management before Muğla gained metropolitan status.
Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca highlighted the fulfilment of a promise made by himself and Muğla Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Aras to Fethiyespor President Esat Bakırcı. Mayor Karaca emphasised that the transfer would provide significant financial support to the club, amounting to millions of liras in revenue, strengthening Fethiyespor’s position both on and off the field.
Source: Beşkaza Haber Bülteni
Fethiyespor prepares for second half of the season under Dinçel’s leadership
Fethiyespor Technical Director Selahaddin Dinçel is focusing on enhancing the navy blue and white squad’s technical and tactical coordination as part of their preparation for the second half of the season. Dinçel announced that the team would train in Fethiye until January 2nd before heading to Antalya for a 10-day camp. During the camp, the team will play three preparation matches. “On January 12th, we will return to Fethiye and begin preparations for the Kastamonuspor match,” Dinçel stated, underlining the team’s commitment to starting the season strong.
League Matches
The second half of the season kicks off with an away match against Kastamonuspor on Sunday, 19 January 2025, which will be broadcast live on the TFF Federation’s YouTube channel. Kick-off is scheduled for 13:30.
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Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 43.94 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 44.13 TL.
The US Dollar bought 35.37 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 35.10 TL.
The Euro bought 36.48 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 36.60 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
