Turkey Expresses Its Greatest Fear

The Turkish tourism sector is fearful of losing Russian visitors due to high prices. This was reported on June 24 by Turkish economic commentator and chief editor of the economic news website tclira.com, Taylan Beyukshahin.

"Every year, tourism revenues amount to at least $50 billion, and to avoid losing them, it is necessary to increase exchange rates, but the government is not allowing that yet. Therefore, expensive tourism will continue this year. Planning for the 2025 season will be possible. However, the tourism sector is afraid of losing European and Russian tourists, who may choose to travel to countries like Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, and Spain," he stated in an interview with RIA Novosti.

Beyukshahin explained that Turkey is trying not to raise currency exchange rates as part of its fight against inflation. He noted that companies are setting high prices for the sale of their goods and services in foreign currency since expenditures in “lira” are increasing.

The expert indicated that previously, the cost of a one-week holiday was 1,500 to 2,000 euros, while currently, it has risen to over 3,000 euros. He emphasized that in this situation, tourists arriving from Europe feel "uncomfortable" and prefer to vacation in other countries, while tourism is economically crucial for Ankara, as clarified by Gazeta.Ru.

Earlier, on June 23, Taras Kobishchanov, vice-president of the Russian Association of Tour Operators (ATOR) and general director of the tour operator Russian Express, announced that in July, a trip to Turkey for two people staying in a standard four-star hotel will cost Russian tourists an average of 135,000 to 160,000 rubles for ten nights. Meanwhile, the cost of a five-star hotel with developed infrastructure will start at least at 315,000 to 350,000 rubles for two, he pointed out.

The specialist added that a more significant price increase is being observed in August compared to July, especially in the budget and mid-range segments. Prior to this, on June 7, research from the company Izvestia revealed that for the summer of 2024, Russians have chosen the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America for their vacations. Notable foreign destinations include Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, China, Thailand, France, the Maldives, Japan, Egypt, Indonesia, and Cuba.