Fatma Şahin, the mayor of Gaziantep, told Anadolu Agency that the city has a vast heritage of history, culture and food.
"When you've had your fill of sun, sand, and sea, and want to take in some historical legacy, come here to see artifacts dating back to the Romans, the Seljuks, and the Ottoman Empire," she said.
Another favorite destination for vacationers in southeastern Turkey is Şanlıurfa, known as the "city of prophets," which draws both culinary and faith-based tourists.
The famed ancient temple of Göbeklitepe, which was added last year to UNESCO's World Heritage List, is a common stop for both local and international tourists, offering them a chance to witness ancient monuments dating back some 12,000 years. Turkey has declared 2019 the Year of Göbeklitepe.
Şanlıurfa's climate, where the temperature never dips below 10 degrees even in winter, offers vacationers a chance to enjoy summery weather year-round.
Another top touristic draw in Sanliurfa is the Pool of Abraham, a stunning natural aquarium full of fish which dazzles visitors from all walks of life.
Harran, Şanlıurfa, currently on UNESCO's Temporary Heritage List, welcomes thousands of local and international visitors with the world's first Islamic university and the remains of the Ulu Mosque, dating back to the 700s in the Umayyad era.
Karacadağ Ski Center in Siverek, Şanlıurfa, situated at an altitude of 919 meters, is also a major winter sports attraction in the region.
