Turkey tourism sector shifts toward acquisitions and faces environmental scrutiny

The Turkish tourism sector is experiencing a strategic shift as international hotel chains increasingly prioritize the acquisition of existing properties over new construction. Due to the difficulty of finding available land in major cities and prominent tourism hubs, investors are focusing on purchasing established facilities. According to Turizm Databank, 280 new hotels are planned to open by the end of 2027. Accor has announced plans to invest in 24 new hotels by 2030, targeting locations such as Istanbul, Antalya, Dalaman, and Bodrum.

Parallel to this commercial growth, concerns are rising regarding the environmental impact of tourism infrastructure. A study by Turizm Databank estimates that approximately 23 million tons of concrete have been used for 20,000 accommodation facilities in Turkey, based on an average of 1,200 square meters of closed construction area per facility. This rapid urbanization places significant pressure on natural resources, including forests, coastlines, and water supplies, while contributing to increased carbon loads and heat accumulation in urban areas.