Turkish Resorts See Steady Russian Demand, But High Prices Loom Over Summer Season

ANKARA, March 11 — Despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Russian tourists are not cancelling their summer plans for Turkey, according to local industry figures. The primary concern for travelers, however, is not geopolitics but the persistently high cost of a holiday.

Mehmet Usta Bilginer, a prominent hotel owner in the region, told reporters that bookings for the summer are progressing steadily, especially for Mediterranean coastal resorts. "The conflict in the Middle East has had almost no impact on Russian tourists' interest in Turkey," Bilginer stated. "The main topic of discussion is the price, which remains quite high."

This sentiment echoes earlier comments from sector representatives, who noted that prices for Turkish holidays rose by 20-30% in 2025. Industry analysts point to domestic inflation, increased costs for energy and food, and higher operational expenses for hotels and tour operators as the driving forces behind the surge.

For Russian visitors, Turkey retains its appeal due to direct flights, well-developed infrastructure, and the popularity of all-inclusive resorts. Bilginer observed that most tourists currently perceive the regional tensions as a distant issue that does not directly affect the safety of Turkey's main resort areas. Their decisions, he said, are based first on package prices and holiday conditions, not the political climate.

The chief challenge for the sector now is managing expectations around value. With rising costs forcing hotels to increase rates, the Turkish holiday is becoming a more significant investment compared to previous years, even as demand holds firm.