Tourism activity is expected to increase following Greece’s decision to exempt Turkish citizens from Schengen visa requirements for seven days to visit the eastern Aegean islands, according to Turkish tourism industry representatives.
The move, announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at a joint press conference with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Athens last week, has been welcomed by Turkish tour operators.
Problems in obtaining Schengen visas for Turkish travellers have been hampering the business of Turkish tour operators for some time.
The fast-track visa is expected to have a positive impact on a number of businesses, including ferry services and tour operators.
The cost of the Schengen visa is expected to drop from the current €120 to around €50-60, which should lead to a 100 per cent increase in demand for the Greek islands, said Ali Onaran, chairman of Pronto Tour.
“But this is not certain. We have not been officially informed by the authorities”.
The details of the new visa regime will become clear in a month or two, says Onaran.
As demand for holidays in the Greek islands increases, prices will come down, he said. “The cost of holidays in the Greek islands may even become more affordable than holidays in Turkey.”
“This is an incredible development,” said Tolga Tekin of Jolly Tur, welcoming the news about the Greek visa.
“We have had very big problems with visas, especially this year. The introduction of the visa-on-arrival is just incredible, it will unleash a huge potential”.
Demand from Turkish holidaymakers for destinations abroad is huge, he noted, as hotel prices in Turkey continue to rise.
The Greek islands will now attract Turkish tourists, Tekin said.
A return ticket between Turkish towns on the Aegean coast and the Greek islands costs between 30 and 80 euros.
One concern is that tourism in Turkish resorts could be affected.
Ömer Faruk Dengiz, president of the hoteliers’ association in the popular resort of Bodrum, dismisses concerns that the town could lose holidaymakers to the Greek islands, saying that Bodrum offers affordable options for holidaymakers of all income levels.
“It is a special destination for holidaymakers. I do not think it [the fast-track visa] will have a significant impact on Bodrum,” Dengiz said.
