After a series of protests and calls for anti-tourist legislation, it looks as though more and more Brits are looking for alternatives to popular destinations like Spain and Greece
Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Following rising anti-tourist sentiment and a series of protests – it appears Brits know when they’re not wanted. Hotspots like Greece and Spain have long been a firm fave for sun-worshippers, attracting a staggering 124 million holidaymakers last year alone.
The insatiable demand for destinations like the Canary Islands, as well as the blue-domed houses of Santorini and history-rich capital of Athens – has resulted in fierce backlash from locals. Residents, who have stormed the streets with banners criticising tourists, argue they’re being priced-out of the property market due to the number of holiday homes and short-term rentals.
However, the backlash has been good news for Türkiye, which is slated to witness a boom in tourism revenue – and aims for a whopping 65 million holidaymakers this year. It comes as the country is preparing to upskill tourism workers by teaching them other languages to increase competition from rival holiday destinations.
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According to Türkiye Today, Türkiye’s coastal regions are particularly popular with Brits, with a sharp rise in UK travellers heading to the Antalya and Mugla regions. Here, you’ll find the all-inclusive resort riddled district of Bodrum – which is an ideal base for families wanting to relax on golden beaches, snorkel in clear waters, and soak up the surrounding history. Naturally, a trip to Bodrum isn’t complete without a Turkish bath experience!
“Turkey’s a treasure chest when it comes to attractions and experiences,” raved travel firm TUI. “It’s decorated with national parks, apricot-coloured beaches and more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than you can wave a freshly baked baklava at. Whether your trip’s centred around food, culture, adventure, adult time or family fun, you’re sure to find an experience that will tick your boxes.” If you’re wanting a trip to Turkey away from the crowds, check out the country’s best kept secret: Akyaka.
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With a surge in popularity, it’s no surprise the country has gotten much more expensive to explore. Back in the noughties, Turkey’s biggest competitive factor was its low prices, allowing Brits to stay in lavish hotels for a fraction of the price compared to the lucrative Greek islands. But Intourist, a leading tour operator, found that Türkiye’s prices in euros have increased by 20 per cent to 40 per cent over the past two years – resulting in many holidaymakers opting for more affordable accommodations types or shortening their visit.
Flying to Türkiye is easy from the UK, with most major airports offering direct routes to Bodrum, Dalaman, and Istanbul. The journey averages around four hours, and if you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return fares in April for as little as £60 (prices based on Skyscanner listings at the time of writing). When you land, expect to be welcomed with balmy temperatures exceeding 22C.
Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has been contacted for comment.
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