Recently, social networks, especially TikTok, have been flooded with videos of tourists expressing their displeasure at the significant increase in prices in popular destinations in Turkey.
High prices could leave Turkey without tourists – Photo Adevărul
According to tourists, the high prices and unusually quiet atmosphere could turn Turkey into a tourist destination “empty” in a few years, reports the British publication Express.
Prices have exploded in Turkey, the favorite destination of many Romanians. Almost a million Romanians went to Turkey in 2023, of which over 350,000 in Antalya. In total, Turkey was visited last year by 56.7 million international tourists. Among them, there were also many Britons.
A TikTok user known as slimwadie5 noticed a major difference in the costs of tourism activities over the past 12 months.
For example, he noted that a speedboat trip, which last year cost £20, had now reached £120 for an hour. Other examples include rising food prices, with a burger reaching £12 and a water £2, compared to earlier prices which were more affordable.
“Prices are becoming like Londonhe said.
“My sister and her little family said they would never come back, because they are very poor. I’ve seen some posts on here where people say give it a few more years and Turkey will be dead.“, he added.
“Strange vibe” in Marmaris
In another video, TikTok user justjennybenny pointed out “the strange vibration” from Marmaris, where he noticed an unusual silence and empty restaurants during the summer.
“The place is dead,” she said, referring to the atmosphere in Icmeler and Marmaris, which should normally be crowded at this time of year.
“I went to the beach yesterday and didn’t leave the beach until 20.00, then I walked through Icmeler – all the restaurants were empty. It’s a strange atmosphere. I visited Marmaris the other day, and like 50% of the people weren’t here. It’s such a strange feeling. I feel like we are here during schoolJenny added.
Jenny admitted that some things became “dear”, but he couldn’t get over how quiet it was. During the evening, some sunbeds were even empty, which, she says, is really unusual.
“I felt robbed at every turn”
Online comments reflect concern that high prices have deterred tourists from visiting Turkey.
Some people suggest that the increase in prices started to be felt after the coronavirus pandemic, which led to a decrease in the number of visitors.
“I live in Cyprus and here it is the same,” one commenter said. Another stated: “I visited Turkey twice a year for 20 years. Last year was probably my last visit. The prices were terrible. I felt robbed at every turn. I didn’t book this year – like you said, there was a vibe.”
While some express their displeasure at rising prices and changes in the tourist atmosphere, others are concerned that Turkey, one of the most popular holiday destinations, could lose its appeal in the face of this rapid rise in costs.
“I just came back from Antalya. It was terrible. All prices have gone up massively. They all want the Euro, not the Lira, and the ban on Instagram and the killing of dogs on the street. Lots of reasons,” someone else commented.
