Eresin: We Are Concerned Because Perception of Turkey as an ‘Expensive Country’ Has Grown

TÜROB (Association of Turkish Hoteliers) President Müberra Eresin expressed concerns about the growing perception of Turkey as an “expensive country,” especially regarding non-hotel spending. She highlighted that this perception is beginning to take hold, and while the government’s efforts to combat inflation and their support for the tourism sector are commendable, they hope this negative perception will soon dissipate.

Eresin spoke at TÜROB’s November briefing and traditional luncheon, summarizing the challenges and developments in the tourism sector.

Summary of Eresin’s Speech:

• Decline in Room Prices, Rising Costs:
  
  While the average occupancy rates are surpassing last year’s levels, the average room rates have decreased due to significant inflation and stable foreign exchange rates over the past year. Unfortunately, costs continue to rise. To boost revenues, efforts continue in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, TGA (Tourism Promotion and Development Agency), TOBB (Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey), and ITO (Istanbul Chamber of Commerce).
  
  
• Concerns Over Rising Costs and Perception of Turkey as Expensive:
  
  Eresin expressed concern over Turkey’s increasing classification as an “expensive country” for non-hotel expenditures, particularly noted at recent tourism fairs like WTM London, IBTM Barcelona, and GoTurkey promotional events in Moscow. Despite positive news for 2025 in tourism, this perception is troubling for the industry. Eresin hopes that with the government’s continuous and resolute inflation-fighting measures, the negative perception will soon be alleviated.
  
  
• Upcoming Luxury Tourism Event:
  
  The last fair for this year will be the ILTM Cannes, a luxury tourism event bringing together all stakeholders in the industry, set to take place in the first week of December in Cannes, France.