Turkey Tourism

The tourism industry in Turkey could see stormy weather this summer with a sharp slowdown in arrivals from Russia and some European countries, combined with a weaker domestic market due to the sluggish economy. 

The tourism industry in Turkey is still trying to assess the medium-term cost of a wave of anti-government protests at the end of May and through June, but recent figures suggest at least some holiday-makers are choosing to forego a visit this summer.

Next year, 2014, marks the beginning of a cycle of anniversaries set to last until the end of 2018, as countries across Europe, North America and beyond commemorate the centenary of the First World War. Turkey is looking to combine the expected spike in interest in historic events with a concerted drive to boost tourism revenue.

Long-regarded as an affordable getaway for European tourists seeking the sun in the coastal resorts of Antalya, Bodrum or Marmaris, Turkey is starting to draw rising numbers of visitors from the Middle East region.

Already the world’s 7th most-popular tourist destination, Turkey has continued to grow in 2011, as economic expansion and political stability raise its profile in the region. The country saw a 10.76% increase in visitors between January to September 2011 compared to the same nine-month period in 2010.