Turkey panic as tourists abandon country for Greece leaving hotels empty

For years, Turkey has been known for being a budget-friendly travel destination

Turkey, long known as a budget-friendly holiday destination, is seeing a significant drop in tourism due to rising costs. With hotels left vacant, tourists are opting for Greece instead.

A travel expert said that it's "unsurprising" that cost-conscious travellers are struggling with the increased prices and seeking better deals elsewhere. Another warned that Turkey could face difficulties in the coming years if it doesn't reclaim its reputation as a budget destination.

Turkish locals are also shunning staycations due to the price hikes. From April 1, Greece began issuing visas on arrival for Turkish visitors, allowing them to visit 10 Greek islands for up to seven days.

In the first 10 days of April alone, the islands of Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kos and Rhodes welcomed 20,690 Turkish tourists, many of whom would likely have holidayed at home in previous years. Meanwhile, many hotel rooms in Turkish resorts remain unoccupied.

Hamit Kuk, a leading advisor for the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, said in August that some cheaper hotels in popular holiday spots were only half-full, even during peak season, reports the Express.

Mr Kuk has shared insights on the tourism industry's health in Turkey, noting: "The average room occupancy rate in hotels in Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye and Antalya is currently around 80 percent," contradicting some reports that suggested there are empty hotels. He went on to say, "There are no empty hotels or resorts as [some reports have suggested but] room occupancy rates were 100 percent in previous years."

He also anticipated seasonal hotel closures: "[I expect] two and three-star hotels to close in October, four-star hotels to close in mid-October and five-star hotels to remain open until the end of October."

Mustafa Demir, Chairman of the TÜRSAB Regional Representation Board, previously explained to Schengen News: "Since costs, such as electricity, personnel and hotel rents are fixed, while other food, beverage and cleaning costs are variable, our hotelier colleagues made their calculations and made discounts so that at least the rooms would not remain empty, they could pay the staff and not lay them off."

Amid concerns about tourism in Turkey, travel experts are speaking out. Sarah Donaldson, a Senior Travel Claims Analyst at Fast Cover Travel Insurance, highlighted hyperinflation as the primary challenge, adding: "We understand that hyperinflation remains the primary cause of Turkey's struggling tourism sector, as even foreigners find it hard to justify the cost of accommodation and dining.

"With nearby countries like Greece generally offering more affordable alternatives, it's unsurprising that price-conscious travellers are seeking a better deal."

Florian Wupperfeld, a leading social sustainability and placemaking expert and the CEO of LCD Ventures, a UK-based destination innovation company, expressed his concerns regarding Turkey's current economic situation. He remarked: "Turkey is a budget destination. The middle segment of people [that] feel the pinch with inflation are drying out faster than the luxury. The people with money still have money."