Published on
October 8, 2025
Turkey has been able to secure a €1.7 billion loan that will be used to build a major highway between the Antalya and Alanya cities, which are major tourist destinations on the southern coast of Turkey. The loan agreement between Ankara and the lender was signed on October 1, 2025, and is an important development in the country’s bid to enhance regional connectivity and tourism infrastructure. The public-private partnership (PPP) scheme will not only increase transit connections between these two tourist hotspots but also be instrumental in spurting Turkey’s tourism industry by providing quicker travel and better access to Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.
Strengthening Regional Tourism with Improved Infrastructure
The Antalya-Alanya Highway will span 122 kilometers (76 miles), including 84 kilometers of main highway and 38 kilometers of connecting roads, significantly reducing travel time from 2.5 hours to just 36 minutes. This dramatic reduction in travel time will enhance tourist flow between Antalya—one of Turkey’s top tourism destinations—and Alanya, a region known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and attractions like the Alanya Castle and Cleopatra Beach.
The new highway is expected to encourage domestic and international tourism, particularly among visitors seeking a more convenient and comfortable travel experience in Turkey. By reducing travel time, the highway will not only boost tourism arrivals but also provide better accessibility for local and international tourists exploring the region’s cultural and natural offerings.
Tourism and Economic Benefits: Connecting Key Destinations
Fahd Al-Rasheed, Chairman of the Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA) and the host of IMS25, emphasized that Turkey’s tourism sector would be a primary beneficiary of the Antalya-Alanya Highway. The highway’s completion will open new avenues for regional tourism development and strengthen the country’s position as a key player in the Mediterranean tourism market. In particular, the highway will boost Alanya’s profile as a destination that is both convenient and accessible for international tourists, many of whom are already attracted to Antalya for its beaches, resorts, and cultural attractions.
The new infrastructure is expected to foster increased tourism revenue by making it easier for visitors to travel between Antalya, Alanya, and other popular destinations on the Turkish Riviera, such as Marmaris, Fethiye, and Bodrum. The more seamless transportation network will encourage tourists to visit more places within the region, thereby extending the average length of stay and increasing spending in hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.
Economic Impact: A Strategic Investment for Sustainable Growth
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu highlighted the strategic importance of the Antalya-Alanya Highway for Turkey’s tourism and economic growth. “The Antalya-Alanya Highway is not just a transportation route, but a development initiative that will strengthen tourism, trade, and the regional economy,” Uraloğlu said. The highway’s completion will likely lead to increased local employment, investment in the surrounding areas, and greater economic resilience in the southern provinces of Turkey.
The economic benefits of the highway extend beyond tourism. The project is expected to save approximately TL 17.7 billion ($420 million) annually through time savings (TL 16.9 billion) and fuel savings (TL 800 million), while also reducing annual carbon emissions by 47,000 tons. By reducing the environmental impact of travel and encouraging green transport options, the highway will be an example of how infrastructure projects can promote both economic growth and environmental sustainability in Turkey’s tourism industry.
Encouraging Year-Round Tourism and Increasing Connectivity
With its focus on tourism and business growth, the Antalya-Alanya Highway is expected to attract year-round tourism. The project supports Turkey’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the tourism season beyond the summer months, encouraging off-season visitors. As Turkey’s tourism industry grows, increasing access to off-season destinations will spread the benefits of tourism across the year, easing pressure on popular destinations during peak times.
The highway also enhances connectivity between Antalya—one of the country’s most popular tourist hubs—and the rest of Turkey’s Mediterranean region. By offering an alternative, faster route for tourists, the highway will encourage visitors to explore more destinations in southern Turkey, thus increasing regional tourism and making it more sustainable.
A Positive Signal for Investment in Turkey’s Tourism Infrastructure
The project also serves as a signal of confidence in Turkey’s tourism infrastructure from international investors. The funding, provided by both domestic and foreign financial institutions, demonstrates the growing trust in Turkey’s economic stability and its ability to deliver on large-scale infrastructure projects. This investment in the Antalya-Alanya Highway aligns with Turkey’s broader efforts to strengthen its tourism industry, enhance infrastructure, and promote sustainable economic growth through strategic projects.
The Road Ahead: A Model for Future Tourism Infrastructure Projects
As Turkey’s tourism sector continues to grow, the Antalya-Alanya Highway serves as a model for future tourism infrastructure projects that aim to promote regional connectivity, sustainability, and economic growth. Similar projects in other regions of the country can help to create a more integrated tourism network that benefits both tourists and local communities, enhancing the overall tourism experience in Turkey.
A Milestone for Tourism and Economic Growth in Turkey
Antalya-Alanya Highway is not merely a transport corridor; it is a strategic investment that will dramatically increase Turkey’s tourism sector. Through enhanced connectivity, local economic support, and sustainable tourism, the project is in complete harmony with Turkey’s long-term aspirations for sustainable development and innovation in tourism. As Turkey develops its tourism infrastructure, the Antalya-Alanya Highway will be instrumental in facilitating the country’s economic diversification, stimulating tourism development, and securing a successful future for the region.
