The rapid price increase in Türkiye is also affecting the tourism industry. At the start of the holiday season, providers and travelers are relying on a timeless magic word in the fight against inflation: all inclusive.
Cloudless blue sky and the sound of waves. If you’re in the mood for sun, Kemer near Antalya is a great place to be. Like two work colleagues relaxing by the pool: “For me, the goal is relaxation, sometimes not cooking, sometimes being served, enjoying a little sun in the first quarter, so that when I come back to work, I can “I’m recovered,” says one of the two.
“All inclusive” is the magic word that Turkey has been using to attract holidaymakers for more than thirty years. Just from Germany. There are thousands of hotels on the Turkish Riviera that offer full service. From food to drinks by the pool, sports fields, small shops and of course: exclusive beach access. And all at affordable prices – at least for now. Because the rapid price increase in Türkiye is also affecting the tourism industry.
Noticeable Price increase
An example: The old town of Antalya. The two holidaymakers from Nuremberg are looking for souvenirs in a ceramics shop and notice that something has changed. Not when booking a vacation, one of the two makes it clear. “But on site it is. If you suddenly pay eight euros for a glass of wine, that seems expensive to me.” That, he says, corresponds to German prices, “and I wouldn’t have imagined it that way.”
Groceries, restaurants, but also sightseeing or small souvenirs: many things have become more expensive. Anyone who travels on their own will also feel the price increase that is affecting many Turks. This also worries the traders in the old town of Antalya.
Like Lütfi Caker with his ceramics shop. He is actually happy with the start of the season. But high prices and the preference for all-inclusive holidays make life difficult for him: “Unfortunately, all-inclusive has brought a special kind of tourism,” he says. “All the conditions have been created so that tourists who come there don’t have to go out. So everything is there. Yes, it may have a lot of advantages, but it also has a lot of disadvantages.”
Germans want to continue to travel
Unlike small restaurants or shops, large hotels are better at absorbing inflation. So if you book from Germany, you won’t notice that much of the increased prices. This is what tour operator Deniz Ugur, who specializes in Turkey, says.
Overall, prices have increased compared to last year, he says. “We’re talking about single-digit growth. The Easter holidays can be higher than that, and other dates can be lower.” Overall, prices are around six or seven percent higher.
He still wants to try to continue offering trips to Turkey for small budgets, perhaps with a slimmed-down all-inclusive model. Or with flexible periods, not just seven or 14 days. So Ugur is optimistic about the season: Germans still want to travel. “Traveling is very popular. People value traveling more because people travel more despite higher prices.”
“No compromise on quality”
Hotel manager Dincer Sarikaya in Kemer, about an hour south of Antalya, also feels that the desire to travel is unbroken. A double room in your house costs 60 to 70 euros in the low season, just under 100 euros in the high season. This is obviously attractive for German holidaymakers: they have been coming here for an all-inclusive holiday for a long time, says Sarikaya. However, the business is not a sure-fire success. “Although we struggle with prices, we try not to compromise on quality. Anyone who compromises on quality cannot and must not survive.”
That’s why, he says, he’d rather forego part of the profit and hope that the economy stabilizes. He is also looking forward to the season – and trusts the Turkish tourism minister. He wants to attract a new record number of vacationers to the country this year, including those who are willing to spend a little more money. A little less cheap tourism and still welcoming everyone: This is what his vision is for the future of Turkey as a holiday destination. This seems to be catching on in Kemer and Antalya.
Pia Masurczak, ARD Istanbul, tagesschau, April 4, 2024 8:28 p.m