Brits flock to Turkey in record numbers for cheap holidays post-pandemic
Brits are flocking to Turkey in ever greater numbers, putting holiday favourites elsewhere on the Continent to shame.
While France and Spain have seen arrivals bounce back to 30% over pre-pandemic levels, Turkey has seen a 70% rise in numbers. Next year, Turkey will overtake France as the second most popular European destination after Spain, claims a report released by the World Travel Market.
Turkey’s domestic market is also seeing a strong rise. In May 2020, Istanbul had 1,000 foreign visitors. In April 2023, this figure had bounced back to 1.3 million.
In August, the city saw more than 1.7 million visitors, with Russia, Germany, Iran, USA, Saudi Arabia, and the UK being the top six countries of origin. The country as a whole welcomed 44.6 million tourists in 2022, and is on course to hit its target of 50 million visitors in 2023.
There are many reasons why Turkey is a holiday favourite, foremost among them the sunny weather, thousands of miles of coastline, delicious food and an intriguing history that straddles both Europe and Asia.
'My dentist nearly cried after my £2,000 Turkey teeth left me needing 18 crowns'
Turkey has miles and miles of beautiful coastline to explore (Getty Images)There are plenty of locations in Turkey which offer luxury without the hefty price-tag found elsewhere. One of them is the Lujo Bodrum resort, where you'll find a little Indian Ocean charm, albeit on the Med. The Lujo Hotel A’La Carte features three private beaches to choose from, with all filled with pristine white sand and surrounded by turquoise, crystal clear water.
There are also plenty of loungers with parasols or private cabanas to relax in – some of which stretch out over the ocean just like an over-water bungalow. If you prefer to swim elsewhere then there are four different outdoor pools surrounded by daybeds, egg-shaped couches and and green lawns. Some are infinity pools, one is on the beach.
A heated indoor pool is also available for those who was to escape the sun, while a spa is the perfect place to get pampered and pummelled by the masseuses. A salt room, sauna, Turkish bath, steam room, Jacuzzi, fitness area and gym should leave you feeling loose and relaxed. The resort is well connected to the UK, with flights to the nearby Bodrum Airport available for £50 during the summer.
The fall in value of the lira in recent years has meant that those earning in stronger foreign currencies may feel their money goes further, although a 40% rate of inflation this year might dampen that impact a little.
Medical tourism is a small, but significant, part of Turkey’s growth numbers. In 2022, Turkey saw 1.2 million medical tourists, while the first half of 2023 alone saw 746,290 visitors in that area. Many Brits have looked to Turkey for bargain medical procedures, with bottom lifts and veneers a particular favourite.
When it comes to other European destinations which are enjoying a spike in visitor numbers, Croatia is another standout performer, with 2023 so far looking to be 50% ahead of 2019 levels. Portugal is also seeing strong growth.
Although the number of visits dropped from 440 million in 2019 to 428 million this year, inbound travel to Europe will still be worth 19% more than 2019. The worst performer among the top ten European destinations is the UK. Its recovery remains flat, with 2024 numbers predicted to be only slightly higher than 2019.
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