The US embargo on Russia and Turkey’s fake currency crisis could lead to a significant drop in Russian tourist numbers during the 2025 tourism season. TURSAB and SAYD officials highlight the decline in early bookings.
Russian Tourist Crisis Looms Over 2025 Tourism Season
US sanctions on Russia and Turkey’s fake currency crisis may pose significant challenges for the 2025 tourism season. A sharp decline in early bookings by Russian tourists and issues with payment systems are raising concerns among industry representatives.
TURSAB Warns: 40% Drop Risk
Hamit Kuk, Chief Advisor of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB), stated that US sanctions targeting Gazprombank and UnionPay are directly affecting Turkey’s tourism sector. Highlighting a substantial decrease in early bookings, Kuk said:
“If these issues are not resolved quickly, we may face a 30-40% reduction in the number of Russian tourists.”
Sanctions and Fake Currency Crisis Challenge Tourism
US sanctions complicating payment processes for Russian tourists, combined with Turkey’s fake currency crisis, have created a tangled situation. The Russian Association of Tour Operators (ATOR) has recommended tourists bring the latest series of US dollars, but the increase in fake currency incidents has undermined the reliability of this approach.
Decline in Early Bookings
Industry representatives emphasize a notable decline in early bookings, typically made between November and April. TURSAB officials expressed uncertainty about how reservation payments would be collected if payment systems remain non-functional.
Mehmet Gem, President of the Association of Travel Agencies Managers (SAYD), commented on the situation:
“In an environment where credit cards don’t work, tourists will need to carry large amounts of cash. This creates significant problems in terms of both security and practicality.”
Impact of the Fake Currency Crisis on Businesses
The fake currency crisis, which has fostered distrust among tourists, is also expected to negatively impact tourism businesses. Problems in currency exchanges could affect both business revenues and tourist spending habits. TURSAB officials note that while the issue may be resolved in the long term, the process could prove challenging for the sector.
Urgent Solutions Needed
The 2025 tourism season is expected to face difficulties due to a potential contraction in the Russian market. Industry representatives stress the need for immediate steps to address payment issues and restore trust.
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