Antalya's historic Kaleici district nears full occupancy for COP31

The 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) is expected to bring thousands of delegates to Antalya from Nov. 9 to 20, with boutique hotels in the historic Kaleici district already approaching full occupancy ahead of the November gathering, according to sector representatives. The summit, coordinated by Türkiye's Environment Ministry and the Antalya Governor's Office, will convene world leaders and climate experts to negotiate global action while the tourism sector finalizes logistics for the event.

Historic district fills up

Alp Ozel, president of the Antalya Touristic Hoteliers and Pensioners Association (ANTOB), told Anadolu that the district's approximately 180 accommodation businesses are seeing robust demand for November. "We are monitoring online booking platforms, and demand for that period is very strong," Ozel said, adding that "occupancy rates are high, and some businesses have already stopped taking reservations for those dates."

The district, continuously inhabited for roughly 2,500 years and featuring Greek, Seljuk and Ottoman architectural layers within its Roman walls, offers visitors a contrast to the larger resorts in Belek and Kundu that will host official delegations. Local authorities aim to showcase Türkiye's cultural heritage through the neighborhood's restored Ottoman houses and traditional cuisine during the international gathering.

Sustainability initiatives

Projects coordinated by Governor Hulusi Sahin include measures to reduce plastic use, promote recycling, and restrict fossil fuel-powered vehicles in Kaleici, alongside energy efficiency improvements in historic buildings. Restaurants will serve regional cuisine while workshops demonstrate traditional handicrafts, aligning the district's hospitality offerings with the climate summit's environmental goals.