Turkey Faces a Major Earthquake—What Does This Mean for Tourism?

Turkey had been poised for a banner year in tourism. With favorable exchange rates and its stunning beaches, ancient cities, and geological marvels, the country seemed set to experience a tourism boom post-pandemic.

However, tragedy struck on February 6, when a powerful earthquake near Turkey's border with Syria claimed many lives and reduced entire neighborhoods to rubble. The seismic tremor and its aftermath reverberated throughout the nation.

As the country grappled with the aftermath, those working in the tourism sector began to worry: Could this disaster scare off potential visitors?

While the financial impact on the tourism sector was minor compared to the human cost of the disaster, it was still significant. Tourism is vital to Turkey's economy, and with the pandemic still fresh in people's minds, tourists were needed more than ever.

It’s natural for tourists to hesitate after a disaster. News coverage of the devastation often leads vacationers to associate the entire country with the affected areas, even when the country is as vast as Turkey.

Travelers are bound to have concerns: Is there any remaining danger? Will they disrupt recovery efforts or be unwelcome? And, of course, they’ll want reassurance that their vacation will still be enjoyable.

As Turkey approaches its peak tourist season, the aftermath of the earthquake looms large. Early reports of cancellations have left the country’s tourism sector anxious, hoping for a recovery.

However, optimism remains. According to Kaan Kavaloğlu, head of the Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers Association, with flights to major destinations running normally and resorts fully operational, the tourism industry is confident that 2024 will still be a strong year.

“We are in constant communication with tour operators and online travel agencies, who confirm that Turkey is preparing for another record-breaking summer season across all its key destinations,” Kavaloğlu shared with Dinogo Travel.

To understand the current situation and the kind of hospitality tourists can expect at some of Turkey’s top destinations, Dinogo spoke with those working in the hospitality, museum, retail, yachting, and other sectors catering to travelers.

Istanbul

Istanbul is the heart of Turkish culture and often serves as the first stop for visitors to the country.

Though Istanbul, a city of 15 million people, felt the tremors of the February 6 earthquake, it suffered no physical damage. The city is situated over 800 kilometers (500 miles) away from the earthquake’s epicenter.

At Çukurcuma Hamamı, a historic luxury bathhouse that has welcomed guests since 1831, manager Büke Yurdadoğ shares the concern of many in the tourism industry: the fear that the earthquake will deter tourists from coming.

While still processing the immense scale of the disaster and expressing deep concern for its victims, she also fears that tourists may start skipping Istanbul due to recent events.

“As we enter Istanbul’s peak tourist season, we’ve noticed a slight dip in business compared to last year,” Yurdadoğ shares, despite the decrease being modest.

“The earthquake has impacted us all, both personally and as a business. We’re doing our best to support the affected regions while also ensuring our guests enjoy a warm and welcoming experience at our hamam,” Yurdadoğ adds.

“Natural disasters are an unfortunate part of life, but Istanbul is a city that has stood the test of time, welcoming countless cultures and civilizations through it all.”

Yurdadoğ believes that tourists will still be captivated by the diversity and charm that Istanbul offers.

“At first glance, Istanbul may seem like a city in chaos, but once visitors start exploring, they’ll uncover hidden wonders at every turn. From the historic heart of the city to the vibrant neighborhoods of Balat, Galata, and Moda, each area offers something unique for every kind of traveler,” she explains.

She suggests visitors explore the antique shops of Çukurcuma, the Sveti Stefan Church in Balat, the narrow alleys around the Galata Tower, the stunning Bosphorus Strait, the Sakıp Sabancı Museum with its panoramic view, the bustling Yeşilköy waterfront, and the peaceful neighborhoods of Moda and Kuzguncuk.

Antalya

Antalya, located on Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast, is best known for its beach resorts. However, the city and its surrounding province are also rich in history, with the nearby Taurus Mountains attracting hikers, while peaceful beach towns provide a quieter retreat.

At the Olympos Mountain Lodge, a charming boutique hotel in the village of Beycik, Antalya, owner and chef Mehmet Ali Börtücene runs a refined restaurant that emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Börtücene acknowledges the earthquake’s substantial impact on Antalya, which is over 600 kilometers (370 miles) from the epicenter. Tourist bookings have dropped, but he believes that visitors can still make a meaningful difference for the survivors.

“Following the disaster, Antalya became a refuge for many earthquake survivors who lost their homes and jobs,” he explains. “Tourists visiting this region will play an indirect role in the healing process.”

“Tourism is a key income source for Turkey, so each visitor who arrives here helps lessen the trauma caused by the earthquake. In Antalya, the drop in tourism following the disaster has naturally affected our business,” Börtücene adds.

He highlights that visitors to Beycik and Antalya can enjoy not just the coastline, but also the region’s pine, juniper, and cedar forests, as well as the ancient ruins of Çıralı, Olympos, and Phaselis.

“The Lycian Way, a marked long-distance trail along the coast, offers breathtaking views, alongside the historic Gelidonya Lighthouse, and natural treasures like Beş Adalar Island and the Üçoluk highland village,” Börtücene shares.

Bodrum

Bodrum is a defining part of Turkey’s ‘Turquoise Coast,’ known for its glamorous resorts and vibrant nightlife, as well as its peaceful seaside villages, where visitors can enjoy simple seafood meals and watch the moonlight dance on serene waters.

In Bodrum’s bustling bazaar, Gallery Mustafa owner Mustafa Açıkel and his son Murat sell handcrafted rugs, kilims, and cushions. Açıkel notes that the earthquake has sparked concerned inquiries from loyal customers, but he remains hopeful that tourism will stay strong.

“The earthquake impacted us all on an emotional level,” Açıkel reflects. “In Bodrum, locals have been quick to send aid to the affected areas, and hotels have opened their doors to survivors.”

“While the Aegean region lies along an earthquake fault line, it hasn’t had a lasting effect on tourism,” Açıkel explains. “Our international customers reached out to check on the situation, but all of them are still planning to visit this summer.”

“Tourism is one of Turkey’s primary economic drivers, and it’s essential for us to attract visitors each year. Many people across the country depend on tourism for their livelihoods,” he adds.

Açıkel mentions that this year, Bodrum offers visitors a mix of high-end luxury and vibrant entertainment, along with peaceful retreats. Among his top recommendations are a visit to Bodrum Castle, and the ancient Theater and Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.

“For those with time to spare, I suggest a blue cruise, a trip to the Friday food market for fresh organic produce, a stroll through Bitez village’s tangerine orchards, and enjoying lunch at Köfteci Bilal’in Yeri or Sakallı Restaurant in the bazaar,” he shares.

Additional highlights include seafood at Körfez and Gemibaşı restaurants, sampling homemade dishes at Kısmet restaurant in Konacık, and exploring the Dibeklihan Culture and Art Village, along with the beautiful garden and library at Zai Bodrum.

Izmir

As Turkey’s third-largest city, Izmir is also one of its most progressive, drawing summer visitors to its chic neighborhood of Alaçatı, the lively beach clubs of Çeşme, and the wine-tasting vineyards of Urla.

Alavya, an exclusive boutique hotel in Izmir, occupies six historic, renovated stone houses. Zeynep Çiftçioğlu İpekçi, the hotel’s media and communications director, mentions that while bookings dipped slightly after the earthquake, the impact was minimal.

“Though Izmir is distant from the affected regions, we were still deeply moved by the tragedy,” she shares. “However, we are committed to continuing our work and preserving the tranquility, warmth, and love that define Alavya.”

“While we’ve experienced a few cancellations, most of our guests have stayed committed to their plans,” says Çiftçioğlu İpekçi.

She highlights that visitors to Alaçatı will be charmed by its historic cobbled streets, iconic windmills, crystal-clear waters, summer breezes, and an abundance of fresh local produce.

“The Aegean cuisine, with its delectable appetizers, fresh herbs, desserts, and local specialties like Çeşme melon, Izmir figs, and Alaçatı artichokes, offers some of the finest flavors you can find,” Çiftçioğlu adds.

“In addition to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Ephesus and Bergama, Izmir is home to Seferihisar, Turkey’s first ‘slow city’ (Cittaslow), the natural beauty of Karaburun, the coastal village of Ildır, the historic Birgi village, and the scenic bays, vineyards, and seafood restaurants along the route between Izmir and Alaçatı,” she notes.

Çanakkale

Situated on the southern coast of the Dardanelles Strait, which separates Europe from Asia, Çanakkale is rich in history. The city is famous for the ancient ruins of Troy and the Gallipoli Martyrs' Memorial, honoring Turkish soldiers who lost their lives during World War I.

Designed by Yalın Architectural Design and completed in 2018, the Museum of Troy stands like a futuristic cube in the open countryside, its rusted metal exterior giving it an otherworldly appearance.

“Çanakkale and the rest of Turkey are deeply affected by this tremendous tragedy,” says Rıdvan Gölcük, director of the museum. “In the wake of the earthquake, there was a remarkable display of solidarity as people mobilized to send aid to the affected areas.”

Gölcük mentions that the museum has initiated workshops aimed at helping families, including children displaced by the earthquake, who have relocated to Çanakkale.

“We believe museums are crucial in helping children face the future with confidence,” he says.

Beyond his museum, Gölcük encourages visitors to explore the nearby ancient ruins of Troy, the Martyrs' Memorial, and to catch the sunset at the Sanctuary of Athena in Assos.

On his recommended list is the island of Bozcaada, just a short ferry ride away, as well as Mount Ida (Kaz Dağları). Visitors can also enjoy local wine from Bozcaada and cheese from Ezine.

“Tourism holds great significance for Turkey, but it’s not solely about economic benefits,” Gölcük says. “It’s also a means of telling our story, a way to communicate that helps us shape the future together.”

Cappadocia

With its otherworldly landscape of wind-sculpted “fairy chimneys,” ancient rock-hewn churches, and hidden underground cities, Cappadocia is truly a unique destination.

Housed within a meticulously restored former monastery complex featuring underground tunnels and dwellings, Argos in Cappadocia is a renowned hotel offering stunning views of the famous Pigeon Valley, a popular trekking site.

Just 300 kilometers (around 190 miles) from the earthquake zone, Cappadocia remains completely safe, as emphasized by the hotel’s manager, Deniz Karkın.

“According to scientific data, Cappadocia ranks as one of the safest regions in Turkey in terms of earthquake risk,” says Karkın. “Travelers can confidently choose Cappadocia as their destination without any concerns.”

While the region’s striking landscapes are the primary attraction, the fascinating history of the people who carved their homes into its soft rock cliffs adds a unique cultural layer.

“Cappadocia feels like a scene from a fairy tale, a place where ancient underground cities were created thousands of years ago,” Karkın explains. It’s also famed for its wines and as an early center of Christianity.

“Visitors to Cappadocia can explore the UNESCO-listed Göreme Open Air Museum, the ancient underground cities of Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu, the iconic fairy chimneys of Paşabağ Valley, and the breathtaking Love and Kızılçukur Valleys, famous for their incredible sunsets.”

“Each morning, the sky comes alive with hundreds of hot air balloons, providing guests with the opportunity to take in and photograph the stunning landscape of Cappadocia from above.”

Fethiye

Another gem along Turkey’s Turkish Riviera, Fethiye is renowned for its beaches, but it also holds a certain allure with historical sites like the abandoned Greek village of Kayaköy, adding a sense of mystery to its charm.

Göcek, a charming small town, is a popular hub for yacht tourism. Here, Irmak Yüksel and her family run a business offering both bareboat and skippered charters at one of the many marinas.

Yüksel remains hopeful for the future, assuring that visitors need not worry about their safety during their stay.

“Turkey is located in an earthquake zone, but the key is that buildings are well-constructed and meet safety standards,” she explains. “Given this, I don't believe there is any increased danger in the Fethiye region.”

“Like everyone else, we were deeply moved and impacted by the earthquake. Though our spirits were dampened for a while, we are eager to welcome guests for the upcoming summer season.”

“Göcek is, without a doubt, my favorite place in Fethiye. The town boasts stunning bays that seem to be intricately carved by hand, almost like lacework. It’s a place that combines beautiful nature, sailing tourism, and an upscale atmosphere,” shares Yüksel.

“In addition to enjoying a boat tour or paragliding, visitors to Fethiye should explore the historic village of Kayaköy, the ancient Greek Amyntas Rock Tombs, the breathtaking Saklıkent National Park with its famous canyon, Ölüdeniz Beach, and even hike parts of the Lycian Way,” she recommends.

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