Turkey’s tourism sector is facing a mid-season lull. In popular holiday regions, hotels are less crowded, and dining venues are recalibrating their pricing to attract guests. A recent Morning publication highlighted this trend, noting that some coastal eateries in well-known resorts are waiving entry fees, while others are nudging prices down by around 10 to 20 percent to draw in visitors.
Mahmut Serdar Kochadon, head of the Bodrum Chamber of Commerce, described a broad spectrum of dining establishments in coastal villages, ranging from luxury to budget-friendly options. He observed that the upscale venues, priced for a different clientele, continue to attract crowds, whereas mid-range and lower-tier establishments report a noticeable drop in foot traffic. The overall takeaway is that discounting at the scale of 40 to 50 percent, as some hotels do, would not be sustainable for many restaurants during the short tourist season.
Industry observers suggest that the Turkish tourism market has been edging toward recovery, yet the pace remains uneven. There is a clear effort to offset losses from a reduced influx of holidaymakers from Ukraine, while compensating for the arrival of visitors from other markets. The country has seen a shift in guest composition as new travelers arrive from Poland, contributing to a cautious rebound in activity across resort towns and cities.
In May, tour operators reported an uptick in Russian tourists, with arrivals rising by about 15.3 percent versus the previous year and surpassing 739,000 trips. This rise in Russian游客 numbers appears to be part of a larger pattern of seasonal movement across Turkey’s tourism hubs, influencing how resorts price rooms, meals, and experiences for international travelers from North America and beyond.
For travelers considering a trip to Turkey from the United States or Canada, the current environment suggests that flexibility and early planning can yield better value. Resorts in Çeşme and Bodrum are striving to balance occupancy with profitability, offering selective discounts while maintaining a diverse range of dining and lodging options that suit different budgets and tastes. This balance is essential to sustaining service levels and ensuring a positive experience for all guests, regardless of origin. (citation: Morning, 2024 update on Turkish tourism dynamics)
The broad takeaway for visitors and stakeholders is that Turkey’s leading holiday regions are adapting to a shifting mix of guests. As international travel resumes, expectations around price competitiveness, quality of service, and geographic appeal will continue to evolve, reflecting both seasonal cycles and broader travel trends. (citation: Morning, 2024 overview of Turkish tourism recovery efforts)