For years, Turkey has been known as one of the best-value destinations for UK holidaymakers. Cheap meals, affordable shopping, and bargain breaks were part of its appeal. But more recently, travellers have been coming back with a very different story: Turkey feels expensive — sometimes as costly as the UK itself. So, why has Turkey lost its reputation as a budget-friendly escape?

Here are the main reasons behind the rising costs, and how they affect British tourists today.

Inflation and Rising Domestic Costs

Turkey has struggled with extremely high inflation in recent years. Prices for food, fuel, and services have climbed steeply, putting pressure on local businesses. Even when the Turkish lira loses value, those costs don’t disappear — hoteliers, restaurants, and shopkeepers still have to cover their bills, and visitors feel the impact.

The Currency Effect and Euro Pricing

Traditionally, British travellers benefitted from a strong pound against the Turkish lira. But today, many locals prefer to be paid in euros. Taxi drivers, shops, and even casual vendors often quote prices in euros to protect themselves against lira volatility. This means tourists end up paying rates closer to Western European standards instead of enjoying the old “cheap lira” advantage.

Airport Prices Matching (or Beating) the UK

If there’s one place that shocked many travellers, it’s the airport. Take Antalya, for example — where familiar brands like McDonald’s, KFC and Costa often charge as much as, or more than, their UK counterparts. What was once the land of budget meals now leaves many holidaymakers with surprise receipts before their flight home.

Rising Input Costs for the Tourism Industry

Behind the scenes, hotels and restaurants are battling soaring costs. Imported goods, electricity, fuel, and staff wages have all risen. For international chains and local businesses alike, passing these expenses on to customers is often the only way to survive.

Taxes and Special Levies

On top of inflation, Turkey imposes high taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and luxury items through special consumption taxes (ÖTV) and VAT. This explains why a glass of wine or a cocktail in a tourist resort may feel just as pricey — if not pricier — than in London or Manchester.

The “Tourist Premium” in Hotspots

It’s no secret that some businesses adopt opportunistic pricing in tourist-heavy areas. Restaurants, bars, and shops in Antalya, Bodrum, and Istanbul often set prices comparable to Western Europe, knowing international visitors will still pay.

The Shift Towards All-Inclusive Holidays

With the cost of eating out climbing, more British travellers are opting for all-inclusive packages. While these offer certainty over spending, they also mean fewer people venture into local restaurants, further driving up prices for those who do. Self-catering and half-board holidays, once popular in Turkey, are becoming less attractive as dining out feels less affordable.

Fewer Visitors, Changing Market

Bad press about rising prices has already put some tourists off Turkey. Fewer budget-conscious visitors means the market increasingly relies on package holidaymakers and higher-spending travellers. This shift encourages resorts and restaurants to pitch themselves at “premium” levels, which reinforces the cycle of higher costs.

Political and Economic Volatility

Ongoing economic uncertainty, frequent policy shifts, and lira instability mean businesses face unpredictable operating conditions. Many hedge their risk by pegging prices to the euro or adding larger margins, which inevitably trickles down to tourists.

Flights and Travel Costs

It’s not just on the ground where costs are rising. Airfares to Turkey have crept up as fuel prices, airport taxes, and airline operating costs increase, leaving holidaymakers with higher overall bills before they even arrive.

Final Thoughts

Turkey hasn’t suddenly become a luxury destination, but the days of ultra-cheap getaways are fading. High inflation, Euro pricing, and the rising costs of running the tourism industry have reshaped the landscape.

For UK holidaymakers, the best way to manage costs is to plan carefully:

• Compare all-inclusive vs. self-catering deals to see what works best for your budget.

• Factor in airport food and drink — prices can be higher than you expect.

• Carry some euros as well as pounds, since many vendors prefer foreign currency.

Turkey still offers stunning beaches, rich culture, and warm hospitality — but it’s no longer the bargain basement of Europe. Travellers just need to adjust their expectations before booking that flight.