Antalya's Appeal Fades as Russian Tourists Pinch Pennies

Russian vacationers are tightening their belts on the beaches of Antalya, local tourism officials report, as rising costs and a string of bad experiences with overcharging and pushy vendors sour the holiday mood. Representatives of the region's travel sector told reporters that visitors are no longer splurging on impulse buys the way they used to. Instead, many are complaining about inflated prices and what they see as unfair treatment of foreigners. Over the past two years, the price tag for a Turkish getaway has climbed sharply across the board—hotels, restaurants, tours, even local transport. As a result, Russian tourists are now budgeting more carefully before they travel and cutting back on extras once they arrive. The atmosphere in resort areas has also taken a hit. Complaints about aggressive sales tactics, unwanted services, and outright scams are becoming more common, according to industry insiders. That growing distrust is making people think twice before spending money outside their hotel compounds. If prices keep climbing without any improvement in the quality of service, travel experts warn that Antalya could lose its edge. Tourists may start shifting their holiday plans toward other destinations that offer better value for their ruble.