Turkey is experiencing a significant decline in tourism, with many hotels left empty as UK tourists opt for destinations like Greece within the European Union.
A travel expert shared with the Express that hotels in Turkey are noticeably quieter, despite the peak holiday season. Hamit Kuk, an advisor for the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, noted in August that some budget-friendly hotels in popular areas were only half-full.
He explained: “While reports of entirely empty hotels are inaccurate, room occupancy rates, which were previously at 100 percent, have dropped. I anticipate two and three-star hotels closing by October, four-star hotels by mid-October, while five-star hotels may stay open until the end of the month.”
Mustafa Demir, Chairman of TURSAB’s Regional Representation Board, told Schengen News that hoteliers have been forced to offer discounts to cover fixed costs like electricity, staff salaries, and rent, aiming to keep rooms occupied and avoid layoffs.
Sarah Donaldson, Senior Travel Claims Analyst at Fast Cover Travel Insurance, attributed the downturn to hyperinflation, making it difficult for tourists to justify the rising costs of accommodation and dining in Turkey.
Florian Wupperfeld of LCD Ventures commented on the shifting trend, stating: “Turkey, traditionally seen as a budget destination, is feeling the impact of inflation more acutely in the middle market. While wealthier tourists continue to travel, Turkey may face challenges as it leans further into budget tourism.”
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond.Sign up to our daily newsletter.