Turkey, long known as a budget-friendly holiday destination, is seeing a significant drop in tourism due to rising costs. With hotels left vacant, tourists are opting for Greece instead. A travel expert said that it's "unsurprising" that cost-conscious travellers are struggling with the increased prices and are "seeking a better deal.
Another has warned that Turkey will have a tough time in the coming years if it doesn't restore its reputation as a "budget" destination. Turkish holidaymakers are also shunning staycations due to the price hikes. From April 1, Greece began issuing visas on arrival for Turkish visitors, allowing them to visit 10 Greek islands with an express visa for up to seven days, reports the Express .
Read more: Spain hotspot 'crisis' as bars and nightclubs forced to close down Read more: Major EU rule change sees holidaymakers abandon Spain's Lanzarote and Tenerife in their droves In the first 10 days of April alone, the islands of Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kos and Rhodes welcomed 20,690 Turkish tourists, many of whom would likely have holidayed at home in previous years. Meanwhile, many hotel rooms in Turkish resorts remain unoccupied. Hamit Kuk, a leading advisor for the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, said in August that some cheaper hotels in popular holiday spots were only half-full, even during peak season.
He said: "The average room occupancy rate in hotels in Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye and Antalya is currently around 80 percent." He dismissed re.