There is a rush to our border city before the New Year! They have closed the venues.

26.12.2025 11:56

Thanks to the resumption of the Van-Tehran train services in March, the number of Iranian tourists visiting Van has increased to 710,266 in the first 11 months of this year. Fevzi Çeliktaş, Vice President of the Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that this number will further increase with the Iranian tourists who will spend the New Year in Van, contributing significantly to the local economy.

During public holidays, the number of Iranian tourists choosing Van for shopping and entertainment is increasing every year. Thanks to the Kapıköy Customs Gate in the Saray district and the Van-Tehran train services that resumed in March, there has been an increase in the number of Iranian tourists coming to the city. In the first 11 months of last year, 675,322 Iranian tourists entered the city, while this year, the number rose to 710,266 in the same period. Of the Iranian tourists who came to the city in the first 11 months of this year, 695,549 arrived through the Kapıköy Border Gate, while 14,717 came by train. Iranian tourists wishing to spend the New Year in the city have also started making reservations at hotels.

"WE HAD A TARGET OF 1 MILLION"

Fevzi Çeliktaş, Vice President of the Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that Iranian tourists make a significant contribution to the local economy. Çeliktaş said, "34,944 more tourists came to our province compared to last year. We had a target of 1 million for this year. We may not reach this figure by the end of the year, but we will be very close to the target. The proximity and the hospitality of our people are effective in Iranian tourists choosing Van. Our guests make important contributions to the city’s economy," he said.

"PREPARATIONS ARE COMPLETE"

Fevzi Çeliktaş also mentioned that they plan to organize a shopping festival coinciding with the Nevruz Bayram holiday in March 2026, stating, "There will be shopping, cultural, and social events during the festival. Stores will offer discounts. As every New Year, our entertainment venues have completed their preparations this year as well. Our Iranian guests will shop and have fun in the New Year," he said.

"WE LOVE VAN A LOT"

An Iranian tourist arriving by train said, "As every year, we chose Van this year as well. We love Van and its people very much. We will shop and have fun during the New Year," he expressed.