Turkey’s tourism sector is experiencing a boom: the number of tourists has increased by 70% compared to the previous period. At the same time, the country is filled like an avalanche by British vacationers, crowding out all others.
According to a World Travel Market report, Turkey is in demand from UK residents like no other European destination since the pandemic. By European standards, recreation in the republic is cheap. Other European destinations such as Croatia and Portugal are also experiencing significant growth in holidaymakers, The Mirror reported. However, the depreciation of the British pound against the euro has made overseas travel more expensive for British tourists. As a result, Turkey is on track to reach its target of 50 million travelers in 2023. It is believed that next year the republic will overtake France and become the second most popular European destination after Spain.
While the number of trips to Europe decreased by 19% compared to 2019, Turkey saw a significant increase in the number of tourists arriving in the country. Great Britain is the leading tourist market for Turkey, accounting for 14% of the total number of tourists to the country. Among other popular markets – Germany, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the USA – they are all being displaced by the British. The country’s strategic location, rich history and culture, as well as beautiful beaches and picturesque cities, make it a popular destination for foreign vacationers. For comparison: 1,000 foreign tourists visited Istanbul in May 2020, and 1.3 million in April 2023.
What did Europeans like about Turkey? First, the fall in the lira exchange rate in recent years. This is one of the main reasons why the republic has become incredibly attractive to the British. Secondly, Europeans like the Mediterranean coast, especially the Bodrum area. Thirdly, medical tourism. This is a growing sector in Turkey. Only in 2022, the number of tourists to Turkish clinics increased by 50% compared to the previous year. The country offers a wide range of medical procedures at prices significantly lower than European and American ones. British people travel to Turkey en masse for cosmetic surgery, dental care, and other medical procedures.