The tourism industry in Turkey is facing its most challenging period in decades, according to veteran industry expert Kadir Uğur. The ongoing military conflict in the region, triggered by the war against Iran, has significantly impacted travel behavior in Europe and the Turkish tourism sector. This crisis, which has already caused a 50% drop in bookings, is hitting the industry harder than any previous crisis, including those in the 1990s. The conflict has led to a decline in early bookings due to rising prices and a lack of confidence among travelers. The situation is particularly dire for the provinces along the Iranian border, which have seen a complete cessation of visitor flow from Iran, a key market for the country. The Nowruz festival, traditionally attracting thousands of Iranian tourists, has been canceled this year. Despite the challenges, some experts believe that the industry is resilient and that certain regions, like Antalya, are showing stability. However, Kadir Uğur argues that the government needs to take structural action to address the issues with the early booking system and last-minute price reductions, which are undermining the industry's planning and competitiveness. The focus should be on promoting Turkey's safety and security, rather than its beauty, to attract visitors during these uncertain times.
