Özge ESEN
Created Date: January 12, 2025 04:00
The address of holiday abroad stands out as destinations that do not have visa problems this year as well. According to TÜİK data, the number of Turks going abroad in 2023 exceeded 10 million.
According to the latest data released in 2024, the 8 million level will be exceeded. High prices in the country also increased the demand of domestic tourists abroad. Tourism professionals are of the opinion that demand will continue in 2025. Last year was marked by the visa problem. According to tourism professionals who state that the same problem will continue this year, visa-free destinations will be the most talked about destinations. Industry representatives state that the early booking period is going well and that demand has increased by 40 percent, especially in the Balkans and Egypt, while prices have increased by an average of 15 percent depending on the exchange rate.
SEA HOLIDAYS STAND OUT ABROAD
Prontotour Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ali Onaran, stated that the early booking period for international tours is going well. “Sales are approximately 30 percent above last year,” said Onaran, adding, “This shows that we will reach our goals in 2025.” Visa-free destinations are ahead. Early bookings are around 30 percent, while the Balkans and Egypt are above 40 percent. Sea holidays abroad are also in high demand. Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Budva are ahead. “Demand here has increased by nearly 100 percent,” he said.
Saying that domestic prices increase at the rate of inflation, Onaran said, “Overseas tours are based on foreign currency and there are no price increases in foreign currency. There is also a smaller increase in Turkish lira compared to domestic inflation. “The average increased by 15 percent,” he informed.
Onaran also said, “In the past, the demand for destinations with a visa was 60 percent and for those without a visa was 40 percent, but now it has reversed. “There is a demand of over 60 percent in visa-free destinations,” he said.
MONTENEGRO, EGYPT, FAR EAST FEATURED
Tatil Shop General Manager Güray Günay said, “Especially Montenegro was among the most preferred destinations of 2024. Additionally, demand for Egypt, Dubai and Far East tours increased seasonally throughout the year. “It increased by 50 percent to the Greek islands,” he said. Günay said, “Dubai, Egypt, Bangkok, Pattaya will be the most preferred destinations for international tours in 2025, and the Balkans, Belgrade and Skopje will be the most preferred destinations among visa-free locations. “During the summer months, the demand for the Greek islands will also increase,” he said.
STARTING FROM 16 THOUSAND TL FOR TWO PEOPLE
26 thousand TL Belgrade tour 3 nights for 2 people
2 people 44 thousand TL Balkan tours 7 nights
29 thousand TL Dubai tour 3 nights for 2 people
25 thousand TL Sharm El Sheikh tour 3 nights for 2 people
16 thousand TL Greek islands tour by ship for 3 nights for 2 people
NOT: These prices are stated as starting-lowest.
HOLIDAY BECAME A BASIC NEED
TÜRSAB President Chief Advisor Hamit Kuk said, “The restriction to Europe continues. Preference will increase for places such as Montenegro, Bosnia, Egypt, Morocco and Dubai. “Turks are forced to visit countries where visas can be obtained or where they can enter easily,” he said.
Stating that people are stressed due to the economic crisis and as a result they tend to travel, Kuk said, “Holiday has become one of the basic needs. “People’s interest in traveling and seeing is increasing,” he said.
Source: bigpara.hurriyet.com.tr
