Bodrum’s domestic tourism plummets 20% despite foreign visitor surge

Omer Faruk Dengiz, head of the Bodrum Hoteliers Association (BODER), announced a positive trend in foreign tourism with an 11% increase compared to the same period last year. However, this is tempered by a decline in domestic tourism, with bookings down by 20%.

While revenue targets are being met, BODER discussions with industry agencies highlight a concerning trend: a drop in last-minute bookings.

Bodrum welcomes 371,000 foreign tourists in 6 months

Tourism activities in Bodrum, a prominent global destination, remain vibrant. Over the past six months, the region welcomed more than 371,000 foreign tourists arriving by air and sea.

BODER President Dengiz highlighted that foreign visitor numbers have risen by 11% over last year’s figures, with over 325,000 arrivals by air and more than 46,000 by sea, marking a 30% increase from the same timeframe last year.

Türkiye’s affordability and quality

However, the domestic market tells a different story. Dengiz noted that the uptick seen during the Eid al-Adha holiday has dwindled, leading to a 20% contraction in the domestic market. Despite this, five-star hotels maintain a 90% occupancy rate, while three- and four-star establishments have occupancy rates of 60%-70%.

Addressing social media criticisms regarding high prices, Dengiz emphasized Türkiye’s value, noting that it remains one of the most affordable and high-quality destinations globally and that price comparisons should be made with appropriate international counterparts.

Dengiz also touched upon broader factors impacting tourism, such as the European Championship, early elections in two countries, the Olympics, and the bankruptcy of a German travel agency. He stressed that the current situation reflects a global contraction in tourism, not just in Türkiye.

Visa challenges: Greek islands

Additionally, Dengiz mentioned the challenges posed by the on-site visa application for the Greek islands and emphasized that Bodrum’s prices and offerings should be compared with high-end destinations like Mykonos and Rhodes, rather than smaller islands like Kos. He assured that Bodrum caters to a range of budgets, from affordable options to luxury experiences.