A brand new partnership model has been signed in the tourism sector. Honest Holding announced that it has joined forces with Wtatil, a leader in international tour operations. In addition to their commitment to growth together, the two companies aim to increase Türkiye's competitiveness in the global market. Under the new partnership structure, the flight network from Anatolia to international destinations will be expanded, with a target of 200,000 seats in one year.

The large-scale branding and synergy model that has been discussed for a long time in the Turkish tourism sector, Honest HoldingThis move comes to life with the initiative of Honest Holding. In a statement from Honest Holding, it was announced that the company has partnered with Wtatil, one of Türkiye's leading firms in international tour organizations. This strategic partnership is positioned not only as a commitment to growth for both companies, but also as a structural transformation aimed at increasing the competitiveness of Turkish tourism in international markets.

Massive operation to add 200.000 seats in one year.

Honest Holding and Wtatil Within the scope of the partnership, an international tour operation with a capacity of approximately 200.000 seats is targeted for the 2026–2027 period. Covering the Balkans, Europe, Egypt, the Middle East, and the Far East markets, this structure represents a planning effort on an unprecedented scale for international tour organizations originating from Turkey. Wtatil, currently a leader in the sector as the company managing the highest volume international tour operation in Türkiye, aims to elevate this leadership to an even higher level with Honest Holding's financial strength, investment vision, and integrated tourism infrastructure. The partnership structure, which combines Honest's global sales network with Wtatil's operational strength, also aims to transform the Wtatil brand into a global brand and grow it in the global market.

The network of direct flights from Anatolia to abroad is expanding.

The partnership aims to expand international tours from a purely Istanbul-based structure to a strong charter network extending across Anatolia. Cities with planned direct flights include Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Antalya, Diyarbakır, Trabzon, Samsun, Konya, Kayseri, and Elazığ. This strategy will increase accessibility for passengers in Anatolia and provide B2C agencies with more products, stronger pricing, and higher sales volume.

"In tourism, big brands rise with big structures."

Honest Holding Chairman Cengiz Deveci made the following statement regarding the partnership: “Branding in tourism is very difficult on its own. However, when the right brands come together under the right umbrella, real value emerges. Wtatil is Türkiye's largest brand in international tour organizations. We want to further grow this brand under the umbrella of Honest Holding and bring a long-term vision to the sector.”

Cansu Varlık, Co-Founder of Wtatil, commented on the partnership, saying, “The combination of Honest Holding’s corporate strength and international vision with Wtatil’s sectoral expertise opens the door to a stronger growth process both in Türkiye and in global markets. With this partnership, we aim to further enhance the value we offer to our agencies by increasing our product range. We are entering a new period of growth for Wtatil.”

Cihan Saray, one of the founding partners of Wtatil, commented on the new partnership model as follows: “The operational strength and market leadership we have built over the years have combined with Honest Holding's investment power and vision. This partnership will not only lead to growth but will also create a new balance in the sector. We believe that this structure will become a point of reference for many companies in the coming period.”

Kaynak: HORECA TREND and Honest Holding

School holiday periods mean a significant increase in not only tourism activity but also in housing investments for Dubai. This study evaluates the shift in Turkish investors' interest in Dubai during this period.Angelshine Property Founder Betül Işık pointed out that the line between vacation and investment is becoming increasingly blurred.

"A visit that started as a vacation is turning into an investment plan."

Betül Işık, noting that the primary motivation for Turks coming to Dubai during the mid-term break is mostly vacation, summarized the most common situation they encountered in the field as follows: “Many people come saying 'I came to vacation.' However, after experiencing Dubai for a few days, the following question inevitably arises: 'What would it be like to have a house here?' The scenario we experience most often is that a visit that starts as a vacation turns into a project tour, and then the project tour turns into a serious investment plan.”

1+1 and holiday home concepts are gaining popularity.

Stating that investor interest is concentrated in certain housing types during school break periods, Işık listed the most sought-after options as follows:

Highlighting that investors no longer want "empty houses," Işık said, "They are turning to houses they can both use themselves and generate rental income from when they are not in use."

"A sunny, safe, and child-friendly city"

Betül Işık also touched upon the factors that increase Dubai's appeal for Turks during school breaks, stating that climate and living comfort are particularly decisive factors in the preferences of families: “While it's cold in Türkiye during school breaks, Dubai is sunny. Besides that, security is very high; it's a city where you can comfortably travel with children. Entertainment, shopping, and the sea are all available. Families with children, in particular, feel truly comfortable in Dubai; everything is planned, organized, and comfortable.”

“The first question is clear: What will this house bring me?”

Işık emphasized that Turks who come for vacation and consider investment are now acting much more consciously, noting that the most frequently asked questions focus on financial returns: “The first question is usually very clear: 'What will this house bring me?'Then questions arise about the monthly rental income, how many years it will take to pay for itself, and whether it can be rented out if there are no investors. So it's no longer just about buying a house, making a smart investment They want it.”

Short-term rent, long-term value appreciation.

Betül Işık stated that purchases made during school break periods include both short-term and long-term goals, and said that Dubai is one of the rare markets that can offer this balance: “Investors generally say the following: 'I'll rent it out in the short term, and it will appreciate in value in the long term.' Dubai is a very advantageous market in this respect. It is strong in short-term rentals, and also provides reliability in the long term.”

"Dubai is no longer just a holiday destination."

Stating that the perception of Dubai is rapidly changing for Turks, Işık concluded his remarks as follows: “Previously, people would say 'Let's go to Dubai for a holiday,' now they are talking about 'Should we buy a house in Dubai?' Mid-term holidays are also periods when this transformation accelerates. People come, see, experience, and in the end they say: 'If I come here every year, why shouldn't I have a house here?'"

Kaynak: HORECA TREND and Angelshine Property

WIN Ltd The event, hosted by General Manager Alexandros Arampatzis, Central Macedonia Regional Deputy Governor for Tourism Vicky Hatzivasiliou, Halkidiki Tourism Organization President Giorgos Broutzas, and chef, writer, and TV presenter Maria Ekmekçioğlu, attracted significant attention from the press and media.

This special evening, aimed at further strengthening tourism ties between Greece and Türkiye, as well as increasing the dynamism and sustainability of tourism in both countries, focused on tourism destinations in the Central Macedonia region of Greece.

The event highlighted the visibility of regions in Greece beyond just the islands and specific tourist destinations. Tourism routes emphasizing cultural, historical, gastronomic, and touristic opportunities in areas such as Central Macedonia, the Halkidiki peninsula, Kavala, and the Pieria coast with its views of Mount Olympus were shared with participants as incentives for travel.

Kaynak: HORECA TREND and Win LTD