Inflation Drives Turks Abroad
Inflation in Türkiye has soared, pushing Turkish tourists to seek more affordable travel options in Greece. With domestic travel becoming prohibitively expensive, many are flocking to neighboring Greece for their vacations.
Economic Factors Behind the Shift
Türkiye’s inflation surged to 75.4% in May, significantly increasing prices in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Kıvanç Meriç, Chairman of the Izmir Regional Representative Board of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), explains that efforts to control foreign currency have led to an overvalued Turkish lira, making domestic travel costly while offering cheaper options abroad.
Decline in Domestic and International Tourism
Meriç highlights that Türkiye’s tourism sector is struggling not just domestically but also in attracting foreign tourists. Previously a top destination in the Mediterranean for its service and quality, Türkiye now faces a competitive disadvantage due to high prices. Hotel occupancy rates in popular areas are lower than usual, with many hotels failing to reach their typical 90-95% occupancy.
Rising Costs Impacting Cultural Tourism
Hotel prices aren’t the only deterrent for travelers. Entry fees to archaeological sites in Türkiye have also increased dramatically. Meriç notes that prices for these sites, calculated in euros, have soared, leading to a decline in cultural tourism. Travelers, especially those from distant regions, are now opting for destinations like Egypt instead.
Greece Becomes a Hotspot for Turkish Tourists
Greek destinations, particularly the islands close to Türkiye, have become popular among Turkish tourists. The Greek island of Samos, just 1.6km from Türkiye, expects a significant increase in Turkish visitors this year. Lesbos, known for its history and beaches, is also seeing a boom, especially during Türkiye’s holiday weekends. The introduction of a new visa scheme allowing Turkish passport holders easier access to 10 Greek islands has further fueled this trend.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Trip Advisor
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