Turkey and "All Inclusive": Encompassing Everything?
In recent times, Turkish resorts like Marmaris, Bodrum, Dalaman, and Fethiye have experienced a significant drop in tourist numbers this season. The primary reason behind this decline is the rise in living costs in Turkey, tightened visa and residency rules, and increased taxes on foreigners.
Inflation in Turkey has reached around 33%, and housing prices have increased by more than 30%, making it more expensive for Russian visitors and residents. Stricter migration controls and difficulties in renewing residency permits have forced many Russians, including long-time residents and property owners, to leave Turkey.
The number of Russians living in Turkey has nearly halved from 154,000 in 2023 to about 85,000 in 2025, with many leaving due to rising costs and regulatory hurdles. Some districts in Turkey have closed to foreign property purchases and rentals, and taxes for foreigners have increased, creating further deterrents.
Visa renewal has become more difficult, and denial of residency permit renewals has increased, causing uncertainty for Russians planning to stay or return for holidays. Inflation and rent increases have led to a significant rise in the cost of living and travel expenses for Russians in Turkey.
These economic and bureaucratic obstacles have overshadowed Turkey's popular resort appeal, such as beaches, nightlife, and cultural sites in Bodrum and Marmaris. The dissatisfaction with prices, including those for "all-inclusive" packages in Turkish resorts, has further contributed to the decline in tourist numbers.
Russians make up a significant portion of tourists in these Turkish areas, with around 120,000 Russian tourists visiting. However, the rise in costs and stricter immigration policies have resulted in a decrease in their presence this season.
For those planning a holiday, an article titled "Best family-friendly beach destinations: Top 5 affordable places where you'll forget about tantrums" is available. This article does not discuss Turkish resorts.
In a separate incident, a tourist incurred unexpected expenses after hiking an off-limits trail in an unspecified location. For those planning a trip to Thailand, an article titled "A week's visit turned into a 10-year sentence: What not to do in Thailand" is available to help avoid similar mishaps.
For news and updates about Magadan and Magadan Oblast, MagaDan News is available on Telegram. However, this news source does not relate to Turkish resorts or tourism.
Turkish tourists, both Russians and others, may find it challenging to afford their vacations due to rising costs and stricter immigration policies, leading to a decrease in visitor numbers at popular Turkish resorts like Bodrum and Marmaris. Financial difficulties, such as increased housing prices and taxes for foreigners, have also forced many long-time Russian residents to leave Turkey, affecting the local lifestyle and economy.
