Turkey’s changing tourist profile: Fewer wealthy tourists, more low-income travellers
Turkey is experiencing a significant shift in its tourist demographics, according to Yücel Okutur, president of DOKTOB.
In a statement dated 28 September 2026, Okutur highlighted that the country is seeing a clear transition in the profile of its visitors.
He noted that the proportion of tourists from lower-income groups is increasing, whilst wealthy travellers are increasingly choosing other destinations. This development, highlighted by a prominent voice in the Turkish tourism industry, signals a potential transformation in how Turkey positions itself as a tourist destination.
This change in tourist profile could have far-reaching consequences for the sector, affecting everything from the types of services and facilities offered to pricing structures and marketing strategies aimed at international visitors. Such a change in demand across different income groups will likely force hotels, tour operators, and holiday destinations to re-evaluate their offerings.
It may lead to more accommodation providers and restaurants adapting to a budget-friendly segment, with potentially lower prices and simpler standards.
Destinations that have traditionally attracted luxury tourism may need to find new strategies to maintain their appeal or accept a fundamentally altered visitor profile. In the long term, this trend could also influence investments in tourism infrastructure.
The focus may shift from exclusive resorts and premium experiences towards more cost-effective alternatives and increased capacity for a broader audience.
This shift could impact the availability of certain types of package holidays and the general atmosphere in popular tourist areas. For tourists, including Nordic travellers and other international visitors, Okutur' s observations could mean tangible changes to the holiday experience.
If the trend continues, travellers may find a greater range of more affordable hotels and services.
It may also mean that destinations become more accessible and less exclusive.
Prices for certain services, transport, and food could potentially become more competitive in order to attract this new segment. Trip planning to Turkey may require more specific research in the future.
It will become increasingly important to check the standards and atmosphere of individual hotels and areas to ensure they align with personal expectations.
While luxury-oriented offerings may become less common, this shift could also open up new and more accessible travel experiences that appeal to a broader spectrum of budgets and preferences.
Source: Turizmekonomi
