Brits ditch 'popular' holiday hotspot for 'cheaper alternative' as costs soar

Brits are said to be "ditching" a popular holiday destination as prices to visit continue to soar. Many holidaymakers admit that it's becoming more expensive to visit Turkey as inflation has hit the holiday hotspot, according to reports.

Over the past few months, people have been complaining about the rising prices, with many admitting they plan to boycott the destination and seek more reasonable breaks away in the sun. Now, according to some, it seems one has been found, as many are trading Turkey for Albania instead, according to viral reports circulating online - and it looks as though they can't get enough of it either.

A woman, known as ahmadsquad1 on TikTok, recently posted a video after a holiday in Turkey, and she questioned why it's so quiet. She understands inflation is rising, but she also wants to know why some areas remain so empty.

In the clip, she said: "So we just got back from Turkey, and [in] every single shop we went to they were complaining about how quiet it is, and how there's not that many people on holiday and, if they are on holiday, they are broke and don't do loads of shopping - us included, but why is it?

"Where are people going? Why is that you have stopped going? One thing we did notice when we were there was like, for example, any kind of can - whether it's branded or local brand - they would be like £4.00. Ice cream was like £4.00. Everything was so expensive."

She also said a meal like a kebab and chips would come it at around £8.00, so she's wondering if it's so quiet because the prices have gone up. On the flipside, she noted people may just be looking for cheaper destinations at the moment.

As she asked people for their thoughts, many said Turkey has never been the number one destination for Brits, as she claimed in the video. However, some did admit they refuse to go back to Turkey.

One replied: "Been going to Turkey for years, but last year was different. Inflation hit hard, prices were high, getting overcharged. Hospitality didn't feel the same. Not surprised fewer people are going now."

Another added: "Should try the Balkan countries. Bosnia and Albania are lovely and very affordable." A third replied: "Turkey has gone more expensive now, especially in Istanbul which makes it not worth it. People are now going to Bosnia or Albania."

Meanwhile, a fouth also chimed in with: "Turkey has gone expensive and a lot of people are choosing cheaper options like the North African countries, Balearic Islands or Greek islands."

Some didn't understand it though, as another wrote: "Turkey isn't that expensive - I don't see what everyone is moaning about." Another added: "Of course the tourist areas are expensive, but decent places are cheap."

Why is Turkey becoming so expensive?

There are a few reasons why prices are said to have shot up in Turkey. Statista has offered one explanation.

The website reads: "Domestic producer price indices have been continuously rising, which has directly resulted in a price increase in all consumer goods and services. Accordingly, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in all commodity groups increased extremely since 2022.

"In the same year, the food and non-alcoholic beverages category had one of the highest inflation rates in the CPI. This particularly affected Turkish consumers, as these products accounted for the highest share of household expenditure in 2023.

"Since 2020, food prices have increased significantly around the world, and Turkey is no exception. Although inflation has started to slow down recently, food prices in Turkey continue to go up steadily, increasing by 48.6 percent in November 2024 compared to the same month in the previous year.

"It is not surprising that food inflation has not simmered down, as the producer price index (PPI) of agricultural products followed a constant increasing trend in the country over the past few years."

However, it's said Turkey is taking steps to help boost tourism, including addressing rising prices, making tourist offerings more diverse and investing in infrastructure. The Government is said to be working to reduce inflation, and some people are also promoting niche tourism areas like spas and health care.