Türkiye's tourism hit by Middle East war impact

Tourism bookings in Türkiye have dropped significantly since the start of the war in the Middle East, with industry representatives reporting pressure due to weaker foreign demand and rising costs, according to “Turkish Minute.”

The challenges facing the sector were discussed by representatives of tourism companies and associations during a congress in Antalya, organized by the TÜRSAB, CE Report quotes BTA.

During the event, industry figures said bookings from Europe have declined by around 20–25 percent, while demand from the Middle East has largely halted since the beginning of the conflict.

TÜRSAB Chairman Firuz Baglikaya stated that early bookings saw cancellations of around 15 percent following the outbreak of the war in late February.

He also noted that higher oil prices, triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict, have increased flight costs by approximately 25 percent, putting pressure on tour operators who had already set package prices for the summer season.

Tolga Kilit, a board member of Kilit Group, said that foreign demand, which dropped by about 80 percent in the early days of the war, has partially recovered but remains roughly 30 percent below normal levels.

According to industry representatives, domestic demand could help offset the decline in foreign visitors.

Mete Vardar, head of Jolly Tur, said hotels continue to offer early booking discounts of up to 40 percent, adding that the share of domestic tourists could rise from around 15 percent last season to 22 percent this year.