Tourism firms say a majority of Turks planning vacations for the Şeker Bayram holiday are buying their return tickets for Sept. 11 to be able to vote in the forthcoming referendum on Sept. 12.

The referendum is set for the fourth and last day of the Şeker Bayram holiday, a religious festival, and many people who are traveling for the festival are planning to return home a day early to vote on the constitutional amendment package backed by the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP.

Selami Çelebioğlu, board chairman of the Merlin Travel Group, said they have prepared three- or four-night tours in Turkey and abroad for those who want to take a trip during the Şeker Bayram. “Because of the referendum, it is hard to find vacant seats on flights and buses for Sept. 11. It is crucial to make early reservations if you are planning to travel during that time,” said Çelebioğlu.

Varan Tourism, a bus firm, said almost 70 percent of their tickets for Sept. 11 are sold, but there are currently enough tickets for sale for Sept. 12.

Pegasus Airlines said 80 percent of their tickets between Antalya and Istanbul for Sept. 11 have been sold. For the route between the resort town of Bodrum and Istanbul, 93 percent of tickets have been sold.

Pamukkale Tourism, a bus firm, said almost 60 percent of its tickets from southern Turkey to metropolitan cities have been purchased.

Atlasjet Airlines also said almost all its flights between Antalya and Istanbul for Sept. 11 are full.