Anti-tourist protests worldwide could drive more visitors to Türkiye

Anti-tourist protests in the world's tourist cities are in full swing. People have taken to the streets in Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Amsterdam, and even Kyoto, Japan. Thousands of people are marching with the slogan "Go home, tourist".

Why it matters: As anti-tourist protests sweep through major global cities, Türkiye could benefit by positioning itself as a more welcoming and affordable destination.

Protesters at a demonstration in Barcelona on June 10, 2017 against what they claim is a lack of control by the city's tourism management (AFP Photo)

The big picture

• Protests against tourism are escalating in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, and Amsterdam, with locals blaming tourists for rising costs and overcrowding.
• In Greece, demonstrations have spread to Athens and the islands, where local officials are pushing for limits on visitor numbers.

Context: Türkiye, previously perceived as an expensive destination, has a unique opportunity to attract more tourists by adjusting its prices.

What experts say

• Tourism expert Omer Tekin suggests that Türkiye could capture a larger share of the market if it sheds its "expensive country" image and offers more competitive prices.
• He notes that the high prices have already led to reduced bookings in luxury hotels, forcing them to consider discounts to attract more visitors.

Zoom in: The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) reports that despite price hikes, Russian tourists continue to favor Türkiye. However, there's a warning that high costs could push tourists to alternative destinations like Dubai.

Between the lines: Locals in many countries view tourists as a cause of rising living costs and overcrowding, which has fueled the anti-tourism sentiment. Türkiye, by contrast, has the chance to capitalize on this trend if it positions itself strategically.

August 03, 2024 08:26 AM GMT+03:00