Turkish tourism sector faces profitability challenges amid market losses

Hakan Saatçıoğlu, President of the Professional Hotel Managers Association (POYD), has expressed concerns regarding the future of the tourism sector, noting that while hotels are meeting revenue targets, rising costs are eroding profitability.

Saatçıoğlu highlighted that ongoing wars in key source markets have significantly impacted tourism. He specifically noted that visitor numbers from Ukraine to Antalya have dropped from approximately 2 million to between 450,000 and 500,000 due to the conflict. Additionally, global economic instability and high airfare prices are altering traveler behavior, with some tourists opting for car travel to neighboring countries to avoid uncertainty.

Regarding upcoming international events like the World Space Congress and COP31, Saatçıoğlu cautioned against excessive expectations. He stated that while these organizations will bring activity to Antalya, they are unlikely to fully compensate for the current market losses.