Turkish Tourists Seek Affordable Travel in Greece Amid Rising Inflation

Turkish Tourists Flock to Greece Amid Rising Inflation

In recent months, Turkish tourists have increasingly turned their attention to Greece as soaring inflation in Türkiye has made domestic travel prohibitively expensive. As inflation skyrocketed to an alarming 75.4 percent in May, primarily driven by steep increases in hotel, café, and restaurant prices, many Turkish citizens are seeking more affordable vacation options abroad.

“This issue began last year when the Turkish government implemented measures to control foreign currency,” explains Kıvanç Meriç, Chairman of the Izmir Regional Representative Board of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), in an interview with Euronews Travel. “This has resulted in the overvaluation of the Turkish lira in this inflationary landscape.”

Meriç elaborates, “Consequently, our citizens find it financially viable to travel abroad at a lower cost compared to staying within Türkiye, where hotel prices remain exceptionally high.” He emphasizes that hoteliers are not raising their prices merely for increased profits; instead, they are facing rising costs themselves, necessitating price adjustments.

The Broader Impact on Turkish Tourism

This inflation crisis is not only affecting local tourism within Türkiye but also has repercussions on its foreign tourist numbers. “I must highlight that there’s a significant challenge regarding Türkiye’s foreign tourist statistics,” says Meriç. “Once a leader in Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean region, known for its service quality and hotel standards, Türkiye is now losing its competitive edge due to unfavorable pricing.”

A Bleak Outlook for Turkish Hotels

Historically, finding a hotel room in Türkiye’s prime holiday locations during July or August was nearly impossible, with occupancy rates soaring to 90-95 percent. However, this year, many hotels are struggling to reach even 80 percent occupancy.

Moreover, these establishments cannot rely on shoulder seasons for relief. While many Mediterranean destinations benefit from tourist arrivals from May to October, the tourism season in Türkiye is considerably shorter. “The Turkish tourism sector thrives during the high season. There is little financial return during April, May, September, and October,” Meriç points out. “The primary revenue-generating period spans from mid-June to mid-September, and as we find ourselves in mid-July, we still have not achieved desired occupancy levels.”

Rising hotel costs are not the only factors discouraging tourists. Entrance fees to archaeological sites managed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism have also surged. “In Türkiye, entrance fees for archaeological sites are now calculated in euros,” Meriç explains. “For instance, the cost to enter the ancient city of Ephesus has jumped from €15 to €40.” As a result, “cultural tours are on the decline,” he notes, with travelers from distant regions beginning to favor other destinations such as Egypt.

Popular Greek Destinations Among Turkish Tourists

According to Meriç, Turkish travelers are increasingly opting to visit Greece and the Balkan countries due to lower hotel rates. The Greek island of Samos, separated from Türkiye by a mere 1.6 km strait, has seen a remarkable surge in Turkish visitors. “There is a significant boom; last year, approximately 35,000 to 40,000 people traveled to Samos, and this year, we anticipate between 100,000 to 150,000 visitors,” he shares.

Additionally, the island of Lesbos, also in close proximity to Türkiye, is experiencing a similar influx of Turkish tourists. Known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and its status as a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, Lesbos was particularly bustling during Türkiye’s recent three-day weekend, with long queues forming at the border.

Visa Regulations for Turkish Travelers to Greece

Part of the allure of Greece for Turkish tourists is a new visa scheme introduced in April of this year. This initiative allows Turkish passport holders to access 10 Greek islands for up to a week without undergoing the lengthy full visa application process for the EU’s Schengen Area.

The islands included in this visa program are all situated near the Turkish coastline and encompass Lesbos, Limnos, Chios, Samos, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos, Rhodes, Symi, and Kastellorizo. Previously, Turkish visitors had to navigate a cumbersome visa application through the Greek Consulate in Izmir.

Now, the new visa, which costs €60 per traveler, facilitates entry at participating Greek ports and includes a passport check and fingerprint recording, simplifying the process for eager travelers.