The decline of Arab tourism: They are leaving Turkey one by one

The foreign policies and refugee approach implemented by the AKP government had caused visits to Turkey from Arab countries to increase exponentially in recent years. 

Arab tourists, who organized group visits to many regions of Turkey, particularly the Black Sea, due to its rich geography, have left Turkey in the wake of inflation. Sharing data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Dünya Gazetesi stated that a significant decline has been observed in the 4 Arab countries that send the most tourists to Turkey during the period between August 2022 and August 2024. 

Arab tourists, who are seen as a 'source of revenue' by tradespeople in tourism regions and the government, have begun visiting different countries due to high inflation in Turkey. The exorbitant prices applied in tourist areas surpassing those in European capitals have caused tourism agencies in Arab countries to receive complaints one after another, leading to a 50% drop in the number of trips organized to Turkey. 

THE NUMBER OF TOURISTS DROPPED FROM 25 THOUSAND 526 TO 12 THOUSAND 782

According to the compiled data, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) led the countries that have given up on Turkey. The number of tourists, which was 25 thousand 526 in August 2022, fell to 12 thousand 782 this year. Thus, the decrease in the number of tourists from the UAE over two years was 49.9 percent. The United Arab Emirates was followed by Kuwait, the Arab country that sends the most tourists to Turkey, while Saudi Arabia ranked 3rd and Qatar 4th on the list. 

Despite the decline in the number of Arab tourists, a significant increase in the number of tourists from the Far East has caused overall tourism statistics to rise. In the two years from August 2022 to August 2024, the number of tourists from Japan increased by 334.9 percent, rising from 3 thousand 723 to 16 thousand 192. The number of tourists from the People's Republic of China increased by 292.9 percent. The number of tourists, which was 9 thousand 525, rose to 37 thousand 433. Finally, the number of tourists from the Philippines also increased by 55.7 percent. The number of tourists, which was 9 thousand 778, rose to 12 thousand 130.

News Source: 12punto