Representatives of Türkiye travel industry say, due to cost increase and inflation, tourist shift their stay from hotels to rental houses and it caused underground economy.
According to report of Fikri Cinokur from TurizmDays, even during the peak season, hotels are facing disappointing occupancy rates of around 60% and are resisting staff cuts due to rising costs. While staff reductions have begun in Bodrum's hotels, those in Antalya are trying to hold on.
Turkish hospitality sector, which had a successful 2022 after the pandemic, started the new season with price hikes in foreign currency due to inflation and rising costs. This led European tourists to seek more affordable countries in terms of prices due to inflation in Europe.
On the other hand foreigners, especially Russians, started renting their homes to compatriots in Antalya and Aegean provinces.
Yiğit Girgin, the representative of the Professional Hotel Managers Association (POYD) in Bodrum, stated that hotels are beginning staff reductions due to the inadequate occupancy rates. He noted that the unregistered economy is formed by practices like "Rental Holiday Homes" similar to Airbnb in Europe.
Despite being one of the significant tourism centers of Turkey, most hotels in Bodrum reportedly have occupancy rates of around 55-60% during the peak season.
