Korhan Alşan noted that high inflation in the tourism sector, which brings in foreign currency and directly contributes to financing the current account deficit, has caused vacation durations to shorten. According to a report in Dünya Gazetesi, Alşan emphasized that input costs in the sector have risen post-COVID-19, and costs that could previously be balanced have been negatively affected by stagnant exchange rates and high inflation, reflecting on prices.
Decrease in overnight stays
Alşan pointed out that while the number of domestic tourists has increased by 30%, there has been a decrease in nightly vacation periods. "The number of overnight stays is decreasing in all source markets worldwide; there is a 10-15% decrease per person. Previously, the number of overnight stays for foreign tourists was 9 days, which has now decreased to 7-8 days," he said.
Market variations
Korhan Alşan explained that the decrease in overnight stays varies by market. "In the domestic market, the average stay of 6 nights has dropped to 5 - 5.5 nights. Consumers are beginning to show interest in different solutions such as more affordable periods, early booking campaigns, or shortening the holiday. The need for consumers to take a vacation continues, but they are behaving budget-oriented. This is true for both domestic and foreign tourists. Price sensitivity is high. The effects of the global economic slowdown, geopolitical developments, and global uncertainties on consumers are felt in the tourism sector, just as in all other sectors," he said.