Another Turkish expert made an encouraging statement – a significant reduction in tourists from the Russian market may be a chance to return to the European market, which is characterized by year-round demand and stable solvency. This assessment of the situation was presented by the owner of Bentour Kadir Ugur.
“The absence of Russian tourists will not destroy Turkish tourism, perhaps we have a chance that more Western tourists will come. About half of the losses with the two markets – that is, with Ukraine and Russia – can be covered by Europe,” – said Mr. Ugur. He added that when choosing a Russian or Western tourist, his choice will be Western.
“Russian tourists come only in the high summer season. While the above-average Western tourist, who runs from cold weather to a beautiful Mediterranean climate, is in high demand all year round. Let me remind you that we started with “winter” tourism, the first charter flight to Antalya was made in winter. The year was 86th or 87th…” – said the expert.
He noted that for now, hotels operating in the Russian market will now be difficult and will need years for Europe to “fill Russia’s capacity with national diversity.” At the same time, hotels that provide market diversity are more fortunate in the current situation, the expert added. “This situation shows once again that hoteliers should not be tied to one market. Because our hotels are not for 50-100 rooms, but for 500-600-800 rooms … If you connect such a hotel to one tour operator or a single market (as in the case of Thomas Cook), you will go bankrupt in a few years”, – He stated.
However, the expert himself stated that he did not receive support during the pandemic and does not plan to ask for it in the future. According to him, the affected travel companies are to blame for their policies, which cause great losses and the market – especially dumping prices. “Our margin is 5.4% gross. But most of the bankrupt colleagues worked with a gross turnover of 3.4%. We trade. It is pointless to work without profit,” the expert said.