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TRAVEL10.09.2026

Turkish tourism faces pressure from Russia and CIS countries

The Turkish tourism sector is facing significant challenges concerning revenue generated from the Russian market and countries within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Orhan Sancar, coordinator for CIS countries at the major tour operator PEGAS Touristik, has stated that despite only a modest decline in the actual number of tourists, the pressure on average length of stay and overall tourism revenue is a far more pressing concern.

Analysing the market situation as of September, Sancar emphasised that although many travellers continue to visit Turkey, there is a clear trend where each individual tourist is spending less money and staying for shorter periods.

This is having a substantial financial impact on the Turkish tourism industry, with Sancar highlighting a ' three-billion-dollar concern' in his warning to the sector. Russia and the CIS countries represent a vital market for Turkey' s tourism industry.

A reduction in revenue per tourist from these regions may force hotels and tour operators to re-evaluate their current strategies.

This could potentially lead to adjustments in package offers, pricing structures, and promotional campaigns designed to attract more travellers and stimulate spending during their stay. For tourists, Nordic readers, and others planning a trip to Turkey, these developments may result in changes to the market offerings.

If tourism operators experience sustained pressure on their revenue, there may be an increase in favourable deals, discounted package holidays, or expanded service bundles intended to attract visitors.

Consequently, travellers may look forward to potentially more competitive prices or better value for money when booking their next holiday in Turkey, particularly for destinations that are traditionally popular among Russian tourists. Source: Turizmguncel

Source: Turizmguncel

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