Turkey May Abandon the "All Inclusive" System – What Does This Mean for Tourists and the Industry?

Turkey, one of the most popular destinations for Russian and Belarusian tourists, is considering the possibility of canceling the "All Inclusive" system, which has become synonymous with Turkish resorts. This proposal has sparked a storm of discussions among representatives of the tourism business and tourists themselves. What lies behind these changes, and how might this affect the flow of tourists?

Reasons for Possible Abandonment of All Inclusive

The "All Inclusive" system was introduced in Turkey in the 1990s and has since gained immense popularity, especially among Russian and Belarusian tourists. However, according to some tourism industry representatives, this format no longer meets modern demands. The president of the Turkish Small Hoteliers Association, Ertan Ustaoglu, stated that the "All Inclusive" system is harmful both to tourists' health and to the country's tourism potential. In his opinion, staying in hotels where tourists have unlimited access to food leads to a number of issues, including obesity. He suggested replacing one large restaurant in hotels with several smaller establishments offering a variety of dishes and, importantly, encouraging active time spent outside the hotel. "Guests will feel free, strolling in the evenings and choosing restaurants that match their tastes and budgets," Ustaoglu explained. "This will allow tourists to learn more about the country and its culture."

How Could the Service System Change?

The proposal for reforming the service system is based on the introduction of a three-tier model, which would offer different options depending on the hotel level and income. For example, in more expensive hotels, the "All Inclusive" system might remain, while more budget-friendly options could offer less expensive meal packages, possibly excluding alcohol. Additionally, alcohol-free tours are being considered, which could be appealing to families with children who don't need to feed their little ones in hotel restaurants with an abundance of food.

What Do Tourists Think?

Tourists' opinions are divided. Many believe that abolishing the "All Inclusive" system would deal a blow to Turkey as a tourist destination. Many Russian and Belarusian tourists choose Turkish resorts specifically for the "All Inclusive" option, as it helps avoid additional expenses for food and drinks at local restaurants. In recent years, due to inflation, food prices in Turkey have increased significantly, making the "All Inclusive" system especially attractive. On the other hand, some tourists support the initiative. Some believe that improving the quality of service and focusing more on the variety of gastronomic offerings in hotels could enhance the quality of rest and broaden horizons. Others note that abandoning the "All Inclusive" system would foster the development of Turkey's restaurant industry, and tourists would have the opportunity to explore local cuisine in more traditional settings.

Consequences for the Industry

The cancellation or changes to the "All Inclusive" system could affect demand among tourists; however, experts are confident that there will be no sharp decline in the number of vacationers. The "All Inclusive" system has already become an integral part of the Turkish brand, and it is hard to imagine that Turkey will abandon this approach in the near future. However, as tourism industry representatives state, a gradual transition to more flexible conditions for tourists is possible. Meanwhile, the Turkish authorities have already announced that they expect to welcome about 60 million tourists in 2024 and generate $60 billion in tourism revenues. This underscores how important the tourism sector remains for the country's economy.

Conclusion

Although changes to the "All Inclusive" system in Turkey may become a topic of discussion in the coming years, a complete abolition of this popular scheme is unlikely. Most likely, the industry will continue to adapt, offering tourists various service options that could make their vacation even more convenient and cost-effective. In any case, before making a final decision, Turkey will carefully study tourists' requests and be able to offer them optimal conditions for a comfortable holiday.