Turkey's Gallipoli Peninsula is in the midst of massive security and logistical preparations before more than 10,000 Australian and New Zealand travellers arrive for the 100th anniversary of the Anzac commemorations.
But not far from the historic battlefields the tourist town of Eceabat remains quiet, with local businesses concerned that the ballot limiting dawn service places - and technology - have cut down tourist numbers at what they had expected to be a busy time.
Eceabat was expecting 60,000 to 70,000 people to attend the centenary and locals began investing money in hotels and restaurants three years ago to prepare for the large numbers, said TJ (Ilhami) Gezici, who runs TJ's Hotel in Eceabat.
But because of the ballot system, only 10,000 people are attending the commemorations.
"When they (the investors) find out about the ballot system, of course they're sad, but they can't do anything about it," he said.
He's expecting the season to pick up later in the year as people who didn't score ballot tickets make the pilgrimage.
Australians will begin arriving at the peninsula in larger numbers from Monday - most part of tour groups and some from cruise ships.
Security is a key focus around Anzac Cove and across the historic sites, with nearly 4,000 Turkish security personnel to be on duty.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and Irish President Michael Higgins will be in attendance while royals Prince Charles and Prince Harry are due to be present as well.
Mr Abbott is also en-route to Turkey via New Zealand, where he attended an Australian Memorial dedication ceremony at the new Pukeahu National War Memorial Park.
With security taking on heightened significance following arrests in Melbourne on Saturday over allegations of an Islamic State-inspired plot to attack police at Anzac Day events, Mr Abbott said Australia's commitment of 300 troops alongside New Zealand personnel to support the international fight against IS was appropriate.
"I think it is quite fitting that 100 years on, Australians and New Zealanders are again working for our values and our interests together in Iraq," Mr Abbott said.
"They will be, I suppose, splendid sons of Anzacs," he said.
Also among the 10,500 people packed into the Australian Commemorative Site will be 10 widows of World War I veterans who will be flown to Turkey to be a part of the centenary.
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