Tourism Looks to Fall for a Rebound
Domestic Travel Slows Down, But Optimism Grows for Autumn
As summer kicked off with high prices slowing domestic travel, hopes are now turning to the fall season. Firuz Bağlıkaya, President of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), believes the holiday season in Turkey is shifting later in the year, with stronger demand expected in September and October. “We’re seeing higher numbers in the fall months,” he says, noting that despite a slow start, the season is far from over.
Cost Pressures Push Locals Abroad
One of the biggest concerns is the rising cost of food and beverages in tourist areas. While hotel quality and service in Turkey still stand strong against international standards, local travelers are increasingly drawn to nearby countries where overall expenses—especially dining—can be lower. The growing trend of bed-and-breakfast stays paired with costly meals outside the hotel is nudging many Turkish tourists to explore international options, especially with relaxed visa policies like the new border visa programs. Bağlıkaya emphasized the importance of fair pricing and warned against the mindset of overcharging domestic tourists just because international travel is more difficult. “We need to move away from the idea of charging whatever we want. Businesses that don’t adapt risk being left empty,” he added.
No Major Decline in Istanbul, Despite High Prices
Despite concerns, Bağlıkaya said Istanbul hasn’t seen a drop in visitor numbers between January and May due to pricing. He explained that fluctuations in demand and prices are a normal part of global tourism trends, where high and low seasons naturally shape hotel rates and occupancy. “If a hotel sets its prices too high, the market eventually corrects itself,” he said, noting that empty rooms tend to bring prices back to balance.
Countdown to Istanbul Tourism Fair Begins
Meanwhile, excitement is building for the Istanbul Tourism Fair (ITF), set to take place on September 25–26 at the Yenikapı-Eurasia Show and Art Center. The event, organized in strategic partnership with TÜRSAB, will be the fair’s third and biggest edition yet. Bringing together all sectors of tourism—from travel agencies and tour operators to hotels, airlines, tech firms, and regional destinations—the fair will also feature a two-day Tourism Summit, where international professionals will discuss key industry trends and challenges.
Record Growth and International Reach
Volkan Ataman, CEO of Dream Project and organizer of ITF, shared that this year’s fair has grown by 30% and is already 90% booked. Interest has surged, with participants locking in their spots right after last year’s event ended. Countries like Germany, Russia, Spain, Egypt, the UAE, Iran, and Hungary will be represented, alongside a strong domestic showing.
The hosted buyer program has tripled in size. This year, ITF will welcome 500 travel agencies and tour operators from 50 countries, along with 2,000 local agencies, for a total of 2,500 B2B participants. Strategic collaboration with TÜRSAB will bring in 250 key international buyers, positioning the fair as a major hub for business development and destination marketing. Organizers expect to host around 15,000 tourism professionals in total.
With the fall season shaping up to be a strong recovery period, and ITF offering new global business opportunities, the industry is cautiously hopeful that the best of 2025’s tourism season is still ahead.
