"This is a new resort, primarily focused on domestic tourism. However, the region has become popular among European tourists. Guests come here from the Netherlands, England, Japan, Korea, Germany, and elsewhere. Regional authorities have decided to also attract tourists from Russia and other countries." "The Middle East," the Turkish Embassy's Department of Culture and Tourism in Russia told Interfax-Tourism.
Erciyes is located near the Turkish city of Kayseri. The resort is equipped with the newest lifts in the country and boasts extensive technical capabilities. The total length of pistes is 56 km, including 341 TP3T blue runs, 521 TP3T red runs, and 141 TP3T black runs. Freeriding opportunities are also available.
"The resort will also be attractive to Russians because Cappadocia, one of the wonders of the world, is just an hour's drive away. The region has potential for nature tourism, offering wine tastings, hot air balloon rides, trekking, and more. Erciyes boasts hotels from global chain brands," the embassy explained.
The first charter flights to the Erciyes ski resort are being organized by tour operator Coral Travel. "We plan to launch charter flights from Moscow to Kayseri from December 29, 2017, to March 16, 2018, on Royal Flight. Flights are scheduled once a week, on Fridays, on a Boeing 757," Marina Makarkova, head of public relations at Coral Travel, told Interfax-Tourism.
The company explained that the resort's ski school employs 80 instructors and has created special areas for beginners, making learning to ski quick and easy. The resort also has a kindergarten. "Erzdies is rapidly developing and promises to become a major sports center in the near future. International competitions are already held here: for example, in 2016, the resort hosted the Snowboard World Cup," explained Coral Travel.
Many of the resort's hotels offer the all-inclusive system, which is very popular among Russian tourists, as well as the full board plus system (included drinks during breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Pavel Lyshchenko, CEO of the Moscow-based Cruise Travel travel agency chain, is confident the new resort will be popular with ski enthusiasts. "Considering how packed Sochi is, where there's literally no room to swing a cat during the season, and experienced skiers can't even try it due to the sheer number of beginners, the new resort will attract attention. Our people are ready to ski anywhere, even Kamchatka. If the price-quality ratio suits Russian tourists, there will be demand," the expert believes.
Pavel Cherepanov, editor of the Ski.ru portal and experienced skier, suggested that the new product could be popular among Russian ski enthusiasts due to the low cost of ski passes. "The hotels there are quite good. And with those ski pass prices, there will be demand. It's probably best to offer weekend tours there—Thursday through Sunday," he said.
However, in his opinion, much will depend on the quality of the slope preparation, which is very important for good skiers.
"The launch of charter flights from Russia will undoubtedly boost Russians' interest in the resort. Since this is a new destination, it's important to come here first, see it, and experience the comfort—this is an important factor. If consumers are satisfied with the quality and opportunities of their vacation, demand for the region will continue to grow," according to the Turkish Embassy's Department of Culture and Tourism.
Cappadocia is the historical name of a region in central Turkey. It attracts tourists with its unusual volcanic landscape, featuring bizarrely shaped cliffs and outcrops, and underground cities dating back over 2,000 years. Cave monasteries have survived here since the time of the early Christians. Hot air balloon rides, allowing you to explore the area from the air, are very popular.
Goreme National Park and the Cappadocia Cave Dwellings are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Source: tourism.interfax.ru