Turkish hoteliers face price or bookings squeeze over unpredictable US Iran policy, agent says

Turkish hoteliers are caught between cutting prices and losing guests as unpredictable US policy on Iran fuels instability, a travel agent in Antalya has said. Dogan Gunesh, a member of Turkey's tour operators association TÜRSAB, told RIA Novosti that contradictory statements from Washington have raised safety concerns among tourists and hurt global tourism.

"Tourism is first of all an industry of trust and stability. How can a tourist calmly book a holiday if every day there is news about war and new attacks? How can a tour operator plan and a hotelier set prices?" he said. Tourists look not only at hotel costs but also at flight safety, the regional political situation and economic prospects, Gunesh added.

European travellers have begun postponing reservations amid constant reports of military action, according to the agent. Higher oil prices have added to costs, affecting airfares, tourist buses, transfers and hotel expenses.

US President Donald Trump said earlier that he cancelled attacks on Iran in light of a possible settlement deal, which includes opening the Strait of Hormuz and an agreement on Iran's nuclear programme. Iran's foreign ministry said on Wednesday that Tehran and Muscat had agreed on route details for ships in the Strait of Hormuz.