In a bid to enhance tourism, Türkiye is expanding its "Night Museums" project to illuminate archaeological sites near tourist hubs. Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy revealed this decision during a meeting with tourism sector representatives in Kuşadası.

With ambitious targets set until 2028, Türkiye aims to continually break tourism records, aiming for 60 million visitors and $60 billion in revenue annually starting next year. Ersoy highlighted positive trends in visitor numbers and reservations, signaling promising growth.

The expansion of "Night Museums" aims to increase tourist mobility by including ruins near tourism centers in the project. Ersoy emphasized the archaeological richness of Kuşadası and the Aegean region, highlighting extensive ancient settlements.

During summer, tourists often prefer hotel beaches over archaeological sites due to soaring temperatures. Ersoy stressed the role of archaeological sites in extending the tourism season, envisioning an eight to nine-month season for Kuşadası through highlighting archaeological points of interest.

Allocation of substantial budgets for archaeological excavations underscores the ministry's commitment to preserving Türkiye's cultural heritage. From a budget of 36.7 million Turkish Liras in 2019, it surged to 1.1 billion liras last year and is set to reach 6 billion liras this year.

The "Night Museums" project aims to keep museums open and illuminated until late at night, encouraging tourists to explore beyond their hotels. Starting from the 2024 summer season, significant ancient cities along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, like Olympos and Aspendos, will be illuminated.

Looking ahead, Türkiye plans to focus on North America, particularly the United States and Canada, in its tourism efforts for 2024. Additionally, targets include regions like Scandinavia and Asia-Oceania, where cultural activities hold significant appeal for tourists.

With a blend of historical preservation, innovative tourism initiatives, and strategic planning, Türkiye aims to solidify its position as a top tourist destination while offering enriching experiences for visitors.