Türkiye’s Pamukkale welcomes 37 million visitors since 2000

DENİZLİ, Türkiye (MNTV) — Türkiye’s Pamukkale, one of most iconic tourist destinations, has hosted more than 37 million visitors since the year 2000, when systematic recording of visitor numbers began. 

Located in Denizli, the site draws travelers year-round with its stunning white travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis, which dates back 2,200 years.  

The ancient city’s bath-basilica, theater, Temple of Apollo, water channels, and churches blend the region’s natural beauty with its rich historical heritage. 

Visitors walk barefoot on the travertines, soak in thermal pools, and capture unforgettable moments through photos and videos.  

Since 2000, Pamukkale has welcomed a total of 37,401,110 visitors, with numbers steadily increasing in recent years. 

After a decline in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw visitor numbers drop to 625,210, the site has experienced a strong resurgence. 

In 2021, visits climbed to 1,200,650, followed by 1,990,786 in 2022, 2,200,171 in 2023, and 2,445,733 last year.  

In the first two months of 2024 alone, Pamukkale hosted 173,622 visitors, surpassing figures from the same period last year. 

Hüdaverdi Otaklı, director of the Denizli Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, described Pamukkale as one of Türkiye’s most significant tourism destinations.  

“I believe we will reach and even exceed our target of 3 million tourists for Pamukkale this year,” Otaklı said. 

He highlighted the site’s unique combination of natural beauty and historical heritage, which captivates visitors. 

“They love walking through the site, swimming in the ancient pool, exploring the ancient city, and wandering through the theater, and also its cultural sites,” he added.  

Pamukkale remains a key stop for travelers visiting Denizli, offering a blend of natural wonders and historical exploration that continues to draw global attention.