Enhanced Nighttime Attraction Gains More Visitors for The Illuminated Side
Side's Nighttime Museum Initiative Boosts Tourism and Revitalizes Local Economy
In the heart of Antalya, Turkey, the ancient city of Side is shining brighter than ever, thanks to a unique nighttime museum initiative that's attracting tourists and boosting the local economy.
This innovative project, part of the "Heritage for the Future" project initiated by the Culture and Tourism Ministry, allows visitors to explore two significant landmarks - the 2,000-year-old temples of Athena and Apollo - under the cooler evening temperatures, extending the tourism season and offering a memorable cultural experience.
The Temple of Apollo, a favourite spot for photography enthusiasts due to its stunning lighting, has become a beacon for tourists who otherwise might avoid daytime tours due to intense heat. This initiative has significantly increased visitor numbers, particularly during the hot summer months, leading to a positive impact on the local economy.
Ahmet Özden, a board member of Turkey's Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, has praised the "Heritage for the Future" project as a significant investment in cultural tourism. The overall appearance of Side has dramatically changed in recent years, with the number of visitors increasing considerably, especially due to the nighttime accessibility.
Tourism professionals have given positive feedback about the development in Side, with evening visits to the ancient city becoming popular during the summer months. In June, July, and August, tourists tend to avoid visiting ancient sites during the day but have increased activity around 5 or 6 p.m. due to the nighttime visits.
The illuminated ancient ruins create a mesmerizing visual spectacle, enhancing Side’s appeal and contributing to Antalya's rise as a major global tourism destination beyond just beach vacations. This initiative aligns with the broader ministry’s strategy to diversify and enrich Antalya’s tourism offerings.
Excavations in Side have been ongoing since 1947, uncovering valuable artifacts each year. The city, located in the Manavgat district of Antalya, was an important harbor city in the Pamphylia region during antiquity. The diversification of tourism in Side has helped extend the tourism season, with tourists now able to enjoy the city's rich history even after dark.
In summary, the nighttime museum initiative in Side has expanded tourism activity into the evenings, increased visitor volume particularly in peak summer months, improved visitor satisfaction by mitigating daytime heat issues, and has had a positive knock-on effect on the local economy by supporting cultural tourism growth.
- This innovation in Side's museum initiative, not only boosting tourism but also revitalizing the local economy, has extended the appeal of cultural tourism, making it possible for visitors to explore the home-and-garden of ancient temples like Athena and Apollo during cooler evening temperatures.
- The success of the nighttime museum initiative in Side has not only attracted more travelers, but also transformed Side's lifestyle, as tourists now find themselves enjoying the city's rich history and artifacts even under the illuminated ancient ruins long after sunset.
