The slide in the Turkish lira against the US dollar, which has hovered around the 25 lira per dollar mark on June 23, does not immediately change how Russian travelers will experience a vacation in Turkey. Local hotel operators typically set prices in euros, a practice that shields them from domestic currency swings and stabilizes the overall cost environment for visitors. In markets like Turkey, where tourism remains a significant economic pillar, this currency strategy helps hotels predict margins and offer more predictable pricing to guests. As explained by Artur Muradyan, head of Space Travel, a major tourism operator, this dynamic means holiday expenses for Russian clients are largely insulated in the near term, even amid broader currency volatility across the region.
Analysts note that the lira has experienced ongoing depreciation over several years, yet the effect on vacation rates has been relatively muted in the immediate horizon. From a pricing standpoint, the current level of the lira does not automatically translate into higher costs for travelers. The ultimate trajectory, however, will hinge on inflation dynamics within Turkey. If inflation continues to rise, the price of tours could gradually increase, even if conversion rates remain more favorable for some currencies. Muradyan emphasizes that the resilience of tourism pricing at present stems from euro-denominated calculations by hoteliers, which act as a hedge against local currency fluctuations. Should inflation accelerate, it could push up the cost structure for services and packages offered to international visitors, including those from Russia.
Further context comes from market observers analyzing 2023 travel costs along Turkey’s coastline. The Sletat.ru group reported a noticeable rise in vacation expenses by roughly 30 to 40 percent year over year in 2023, with several contributing factors. The weaker ruble, extended flight times, and elevated inflation in Turkey all played roles in lifting overall expenditure for a typical seaside holiday. For travelers planning future trips, this suggests a cautious approach: while euro-based pricing can help stabilize costs, shifts in Turkish inflation and currency conditions may lead to gradual price adjustments over time, especially for peak-season bookings and premium accommodation options.