It’s Always the Best Time for Sports in Antalya!
Antalya, second only to Istanbul in the number of tourists it welcomes each year, is certainly one of Turkey’s superstar destinations. While holidaymakers flock to Antalya because of its mild climate and natural beauty, the city also stands out in sports tourism with more two decades in the field. FIFA-standard fields and an advanced health infrastructure for athletes are prime attractions, as are a range of opportunities for preparatory matches.
In the past year, Antalya implemented the highest measures of hygiene and cleanliness, becoming Turkey’s pandemic-prevention pioneer, according to figures provided by Governor Mehmet Yazıcı. Governor Yazıcı stated that, in 2020, Antalya ranked first across Turkey, with 387 of the city’s facilities receiving the Safe Tourism Certificate.
Turkey: A Rising Star Among Global Sports Organizations
Turkey has risen to an important position in global sports tourism since the mid-2000s, particularly due to the country’s international sports organizations. According to the Global Sports Nations Index prepared by Sportcal, Turkey ranked 14th worldwide, with 14 major sports events organized between 2006 and 2014.
In 2021, Turkey will again host prominent sports events that attract global attention – including the Formula1 IstanbulPark race, now back on the F1 calendar, and the UEFA Champions League Final, taking place in May.
Belek: A Favourite of Football Teams
Less than an hour’s drive from Antalya is Belek. Set on the coast and featuring lush pine forests, Belek has emerged as Turkey’s most sought-after centre for sports tourism over the past 30 years, replacing the Canary Islands and the Turkish town of Marmaris.
Belek’s green landscapes and field standards presented ideal camp locations for Turkish teams, with many teams conducting preparatory camps in the area. One, Fenerbahçe, did a half-time prep camp here at Belvil in 2001, and reached the championship at the end of the same season.
Papillon Belvil: The Ideal Sports Hotel
This year, Belek will host football teams from Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Hungary and the Turkic Republics. Papillon Belvil – the first among the Papillon Hotels Group to open during the pandemic period with healthy holiday opportunities throughout the summer – has been preferred by athletes for years. And this year, with unseasonably cold weather in parts of Europe, Belek offers an ideally mild climate.
In the 1990s, Belvil had only one 65m x 95m FIFA-standard field. The Hotel still has this field, but with the establishment of the Papillon Sports Centre, teams have access to six other football fields, reachable via a free shuttle service from Papillon Belvil. In addition to Fenerbahçe, Belvil has hosted teams such as Borussia Dortmund, Werder Bremen and Shaktar Donetsk.
Along with its FIFA-standard field and a tribune area, Papillon Belvil serves athletes with a 500m running/exercise track and a large fitness centre with state-of-the-art equipment. The Hotel can also accommodate swimming and archery teams, and has started serving boxing clubs and athletes as well, thanks to the new, professional-standard boxing hall built in 2020.
Renovated Fitness Centre and Reborn SPA, with a Cryo Cabin
Athletes will discover an enriched Papillon Belvil this season. At Reborn SPA, facilities have been enhanced with post-training regeneration and athlete health services, including a Cryo Cabin and a Shock Pool, as well as a sauna and hydrotherapy pools.
Preferred by teams for summer and winter preparation camps, Papillon Belvil enables athletes and teams to optimize their limited time, even organizing preparatory matches with other teams staying at the Hotel. Click now to make a reservation at Papillon Belvil, the ideal sports hotel for individual and professional athletes!
