Turkey had hoped for a tourism revival in 2022 as the COVID-19 pandemic ebbs. However, the Russia's special military operation in Ukraine will have a real impact on Turkish tourism industry this year, said Firuz Baglikaya, head of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB).
Last year, around 28% of foreign visitors to Turkey came from Russia and Ukraine. Turkey welcomed 4.7 million Russian and 2 million Ukrainian holidaymakers in 2021.
"We don't expect any tourists from Ukraine this year and the number of Russians is projected to be around 1.5 million," Nusret Canatar, general manager of two five-star hotels located in Side and Alanya.
He expects a very serious loss of revenues, some 30 percent of all tourism receipts for 2022.
According to Canatar, Turkey will try to compensate for the loss by attracting visitors from the Balkans and the Middle East.
The tourism industry is a key pillar of Turkey's economy, as it constitutes 10 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).
Participants discussed the boundary between nature and ecotourism, whether mass visits to unique areas can remain safe, the responsibilities of investors, and how to prepare tourists for visiting specially protected natural areas.
The head of state expressed confidence that the Forum will be held at a high level, and that its results will contribute to the development of tourism in Russia and the expansion of humanitarian and business ties.
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