Antalya, once the heart of Turkey’s tourism boom, is facing a deep crisis. It was Scandinavian travelers who, back in the 1960s, first made Turkey a beloved beach destination — but today, this market is in decline.
According to tourism experts, the number of Scandinavian visitors has dropped from 250,000 in 2015 to around 100,000 in 2025. Economic uncertainty, rising prices, and political tensions are driving travelers away.
Scandinavians are among the most politically and ethically conscious tourists, often avoiding destinations with instability or democratic backsliding. Inflation in Turkey has made vacations more expensive, eroding its once-strong price advantage.
Adding to the problem is the collapse of several Turkish tour operators, shaking trust between travelers and the hospitality industry.
Traditionally, Northern Europeans preferred small apartments or boutique hotels instead of “all inclusive” resorts. Now, however, even they are shifting to package vacations — largely due to rising restaurant and service prices.
Analysts forecast little recovery in 2026. Economic pressure and political uncertainty are expected to continue suppressing demand from Nordic markets.