Turkish Tourism Officials Forecast Growth in Russian Visitor Numbers to Antalya for 2024
Industry observers in Turkey project a notable rise in Russian visitors to Antalya in 2024, with expectations of at least a 10 percent increase over 2023. These insights came from Kaan Kavaloğlu, president of the Mediterranean Hoteliers and Tour Operators Association, during a recent interview with a major Turkish newspaper. Kavaloğlu underscored that Antalya continues to hold the top spot among Russian travelers, despite stiffer competition from other destinations. He stated that the Russian market is expected to grow by a minimum of 10 percent in 2024 compared with the previous year. [CITATION: Interview with Kaan Kavaloğlu, president of the Mediterranean Hoteliers and Tour Operators Association]
Official statistics show that nearly 3.5 million Russian tourists visited Antalya in the prior year, a figure that marks a 14 percent rise from 2022. Growth has slowed due to price increases in the region, prompting some Russians to explore Dubai and various Balkan destinations. This shifting behavior reflects broader travel dynamics influenced by exchange rates, cost of living, and seasonal demand. [CITATION: Official tourism data for Antalya]
Hamit Kuk, chief advisor to the Turkish Tour Operators Association, also expects at least a 10 percent uplift in Russian tourist arrivals to Antalya in 2024. He notes the potential for Germany to challenge Russia’s lead, suggesting that German visitors could exceed Russian arrivals in certain periods or market segments. This scenario highlights the evolving mix of source markets that Turkish destinations are navigating as they plan capacity, pricing, and promotional steps for the year ahead. [CITATION: Comments from Hamit Kuk, Turkish Tour Operators Association]
There have been warnings among Russian travelers about safety and travel risks in some areas, including Abkhazia. These cautions can influence destination choices and route planning, underscoring the importance of accurate, up-to-date travel advisories and reliable information when travelers make decisions. [CITATION: Travel advisories and consumer risk notes]
Meanwhile, neighboring regions have reported their own tourism milestones. Georgia recently announced tourism revenue records, illustrating the broader regional momentum in leisure travel markets and the ongoing competition for international visitors. These developments provide context for Antalya’s strategy in 2024, including pricing, marketing, and partnership efforts with hotels, tour operators, and airlines to sustain growth. [CITATION: Regional tourism revenue reports]