Alanya Tourism Operators Association (ALTİD) President Cem Özcan made evaluations regarding the effects of developments in the Middle East and increasing geopolitical risks on a global scale on the tourism sector. Özcan stated that the environment of uncertainty created following the military move by the USA and Israel towards Iran directly affects travel trends worldwide.
Stating that the reflections of these developments are also being felt in Türkiye, Özcan said, “We are going through a cautious process in many sectors, primarily in tourism. We observe that the tourism season, which gains momentum every year in April, has not started with the expected speed this year.”
HOLIDAY ACTIVITY IN THE DOMESTIC MARKET WILL BE DETERMINATIVE Pointing out that Eid al-Adha is a critical period in terms of domestic tourism, Özcan emphasized that a more cautious approach is observed in consumer behavior due to current economic and geopolitical conditions. Despite this, stating that demand from major cities toward coastal regions continues, Özcan noted that regional differences are emerging in holiday reservations.
Stating that certain occupancy levels have been reached in some destinations, Özcan expressed that reservations in Alanya are not yet at the desired level. Noting that the credit card installment options and early reservation advantages offered by hotels support domestic tourism, Özcan said, “Reservations regarding the holiday period are currently progressing at a medium level. We expect last-minute sales to be the deciding factor.”
HOTEL OPENINGS ARE GAINING MOMENTUMSayng that the number of open hotels in the region is gradually increasing, Özcan stated that many facilities have commenced operations as of April. Expressing that a significant increase is expected in the number of hotels that will open the season together with Eid al-Adha, Özcan emphasized that this would also bring competition.
CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM FOR THE 2026 SEASONEvaluating expectations regarding the 2026 tourism season as well, Özcan stated that demand has not completely disappeared, but a more selective and price-oriented tourist profile has come to the fore. He emphasized the importance of the sector developing flexible pricing policies, using digital marketing channels effectively, and creating strong communication strategies during this process.
Özcan stated that cost management, the search for alternative markets, and the preservation of service quality must be priorities for the sustainability of the sector, and noted that the continuation of public supports and the facilitation of access to finance play a critical role.
“TURKISH TOURISM CAN MANAGE THE PROCESS WITH ITS STRONG INFRASTRUCTURE”
Emphasizing that despite all difficulties, Turkish tourism has the capacity to manage this process successfully with its strong infrastructure, trained human resources, and experience in crisis management, ALTİD President Cem Özcan reminded that the sector has undergone an important test with the resilience it showed against similar global fluctuations in the past. Highlighting that the ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions is one of the most important advantages of Turkish tourism, Özcan stated, “We can turn this process into an opportunity through correct strategies, effective promotion activities, and public-private sector cooperation.” Özcan also expressed that by strengthening the understanding of sustainable tourism, maintaining service quality, and prioritizing guest satisfaction, Turkey will continue its path with determination by increasing its competitiveness in the international market.