Tourism bookings to Turkey have declined since the start of the war in the Middle East, with industry representatives reporting weaker foreign demand and rising costs ahead of the summer season, according to remarks at an industry conference, the Cumhuriyet daily reported.
The warnings came during the fourth Tourism Congress organized by the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), held April 6–8 at the Nirvana Cosmopolitan Hotel in Antalya, where participants discussed issues including MICE tourism — travel for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions — as well as cultural exports and regional tourism development.
Reservations from Europe have dropped by around 20 to 25 percent, while demand from the Middle East has largely stalled since the start of the conflict, sector representatives said.
TÜRSAB chairman Firuz Bağlıkaya said early bookings saw cancellations of about 15 percent after the US-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28, adding that 2026 could become a last-minute season as travelers delay their plans.
The slowdown comes after a record year for the sector, with tourism revenue rising 6.8 percent to $65.2 billion in 2025 and visitor numbers reaching nearly 64 million, according to official data released in January.
He also said higher oil prices linked to the conflict have increased flight costs by about 25 percent, putting pressure on tour operators that had already set package prices earlier.
Bağlıkaya said a recently announced 60 billion lira ($1.9 billion) support package for the sector was welcome but would have limited impact without additional marketing and sales measures. He also called for support to prevent charter flights from shifting to competing destinations.
Industry figures said domestic demand could help offset the decline in foreign visitors. Bağlıkaya urged hotels to review pricing for local tourists.
Mete Vardar, chairman of Jolly Tur, said hotels continue to offer early booking discounts of up to 40 percent, adding that the share of domestic tourists could rise from around 15 percent to 22 percent during the peak season.
Tolga Kilit, a board member of the Kilit Group, said foreign demand, which initially dropped by as much as 80 percent at the start of the war, has partially recovered but remains about 30 percent below normal levels.
He added that planned price increases had been postponed.
Kaan Kavaloğlu, head of the Antalya Hoteliers Association (AKTOB), said government support could help ease liquidity pressures but added that a value-added tax cut might be needed if the conflict continues.
The prospects for the sector could shift after the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with talks to finalize a broader deal set to begin in Islamabad on Friday.
The truce, announced Tuesday by US President Donald Trump, includes a conditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global oil supplies.