Turkish Tourists Flock to Morocco and Greece as Domestic Prices Soar

Turkish hotels and seaside resorts fear experiencing the same situation as in 2024 where domestic tourists, fleeing galloping inflation, deserted the country to enjoy their vacations in Greece, a neighboring country that offered them special visas. Last year, British tourists also shunned Turkish destinations such as Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye and Antalya.

According to Hamit Kuk, senior advisor to the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, the widespread rise in prices in Turkey could cause even more problems this year. "High inflation and excessive price increases in Turkey have left the tourism sector in a very difficult situation," he told Express.

"Currently, tourist countries such as Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt are putting a lot of pressure on us with cheap packages," he added, noting that "the Turkish tourism sector has begun to lose its ability to compete both in the European market and in other markets under favorable conditions and with good prices."

To change the situation, Kuk called for a "recovery" of the Turkish economy as soon as possible. The senior advisor to the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies hopes that this year will be better than the previous one. "The hotels and quality of services in Turkey are better than in Greece," he assured, however stressing that "some establishments may not reach the occupancy rate they are aiming for this summer."