Monday, September 16, 2024 Uzungol, a popular tourist spot in Turkey’s Eastern Black Sea region, is experiencing a significant decline in visitors from Gulf countries in 2024. The sharp increase in prices at local tourist facilities is a major factor contributing to this trend. Despite recent visa changes aimed at attracting more Gulf tourists, the rising costs have led to growing dissatisfaction among these travelers.
Volkan Kantarci, Head of the Eastern Black Sea Region for the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB), emphasized that many Gulf tourists are now exploring alternative destinations due to the escalating expenses. This downward trend extends beyond Uzungol, affecting Trabzon’s hospitality industry as well. Occupancy rates in four- and five-star hotels are struggling, barely reaching 60% during peak periods, compared to the anticipated 70%.
Turkey’s decision to lift visa requirements for six Middle Eastern countries during the winter initially sparked hope for a tourism boost. However, the competitive landscape quickly changed as other nations implemented similar measures. Just fifteen days later, the U.
K. lifted visa requirements for four Middle Eastern countries, and Bosnia-Herzegovina followed suit within a month. Russia also introduced visa-free travel to select countries, launching direct flights to Sochi, while Azerbaijan, especially its capital Baku, has emerged as a new tourist hotspot.
The Eastern Black Sea region has traditionally been a f.