The resort of Bodrum in Turkey. Picture: Facebook
For many years, Turkey has been a favourite destination for many South African tourists, offering free visas, stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and exotic cuisine.
However, this year the country’s tourism industry is facing a crisis, with tourists opting to visit the nearby Greek islands instead of the Turkish mainland.
With interest rates at 50% and inflation exceeding 70%, Turkey is experiencing a substantial decline in tourism, leaving restaurants half-empty during peak season as tourists reportedly head to Greece.
The soaring inflation rates have incited locals to share their exorbitant bills, while fellow Turks boast about paying far less on the Greek Islands, just a few kilometres away.
In June, restaurant and hotel prices in Turkey rose by an average of 91% compared to the previous year, surpassing the already high inflation rate of 71.6%, resulting in Turkey losing its “price advantage.”
This year, approximately 150,000 Turks visited the Greek island of Samos, a significant increase from around 40,000 in 2023.
“There’s a huge difference between the service and product quality, as well as prices here and there,” said Murat Yavuz, a retired Turkish banker who frequently visits Greece. He added: “Restaurants here have used inflation as a pretext to push up prices.”
In the picturesque town of Kusadasi, business has declined by about 25% compared to last season.
The decline in tourism has left a noticeable impact on the local economy, with businesses struggling to maintain their usual customer numbers.
During the first 10 days of April, the islands of Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kos, and Rhodes collectively welcomed 20,690 Turkish tourists, many of whom would have previously holidayed in their home country.
The drop in tourism in Turkey has compelled some hotels in resorts such as Bodrum to reduce prices by up to 50% for the second half of July and the first two weeks of August in a bid to attract visitors.
The Turkish government and tourism sector are now facing the challenge of restoring confidence and attracting tourists back to their once-thriving destinations.
IOL Travel