While Turkish tourism professionals positively welcome Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis' announcement of 'one-week visa exemption for Turkish tourists on Greek islands,' it is anticipated that there will be an increase of up to 50% in tours to Greek islands this summer.
Commenting on the one-week visa exemption for Greek islands with an AA reporter, Celestyal Cruise Turkey Director and Karavan Tourism Director Özgü Alnıtemiz recalled that visa exemptions at the border for Greek islands were also provided in previous years.
Alnıtemiz stated, "As tourism professionals, we are pleased, but we also need to be cautious. We cannot ignore Germany's contribution to the Greek economy. Germany has a significant presence in Schengen. We will wait and see."
Pointing out that Greek islands are among the most visited destinations by Turks, Alnıtemiz expressed the following:
"From day trips to cruise tours, it is a significant contribution to the Greek economy. Greece approaches the issue from the perspective of attracting Turkish tourists. For Turkish tourists, visa fees are a burden for international travel. Today, there is a service fee ranging from 120 euros to 200 euros charged by intermediary organizations. Visa exemption for Greek islands will be a significant saving for visitors."
Although they sell in euros due to price increases in hotels, Alnıtemiz mentioned that they had a good season last year. He said, "Every year, one million Turks visit the Greek islands. Our goal is to be able to take these tourists by ship. The interest of cruise companies in Turkey will increase. The number of tourists they receive from the visited port is important. When the number of Turkish passengers increases, cruise companies will be eager to position themselves in Turkey."
Alnıtemiz, emphasizing that the decision should be valid not only for this year but also for future years if a strategy is to be developed, said, "Hopefully, a positive decision will be made. We can bring travelers together with both cruise tours and Greek islands."
Discussing the possibility of Turks being able to travel without a visa in Europe, Alnıtemiz suggested that if Schengen countries support Greece, the decision for Greek islands could be a pilot study. He stated, "The difference between cruise and other international package tours is that when we board Turkish passengers on the ship, there are also foreign passengers on board, and they also stay overnight. Many foreigners coming to Turkey prefer your port to go to the Greek islands. In any case, it contributes to the economy."
"Tours to Greek islands departing from Turkey have significantly increased in recent years"
Saltur Tourism Board Member İsmail Fırat Çevik expressed a positive reception among tourism professionals for the visa exemption that will be provided to Turkish tourists on Greek islands. He mentioned that before the COVID-19 pandemic, visa exemptions at the border were provided at certain intervals every year, but this practice has been discontinued in recent times.
Çevik emphasized the importance of how the new decision will be implemented, whether it will cover specific dates, and pointed out that these details are crucial.
Ismail Fırat Çevik stated, "For travel agencies like us that also sell cruise packages, there will be a significant increase in demand after this decision. In recent years, many cruise companies have entered this market. Tours to Greek islands departing from Turkey have significantly increased. There are also local companies. I believe that with Greece's decision, there could be an increase in demand for island tours."
He added, "The decision could lead to a serious increase in demand for cruise packages offered by agencies like ours. In recent years, many cruise companies have entered this market. Tours to Greek islands departing from Turkey have significantly increased. There are also local companies. I believe that with Greece's decision, there could be an increase in demand for island tours.
"It will contribute to revival"
Çevik, stating that air tours are not highly preferred in tours to Greek islands, mentioned that ready-made package cruise tours and individual travels through ferries are common.
He said, "Lengthy visa procedures have reduced the motivation of those who want to travel and the sales of tourism companies. It's actually too early to say anything now. This practice in the Greek islands will contribute to the revitalization of tourism. The exchange rate is considered high by many people; nevertheless, we believe that there could be an increase of up to 50% in tours to the Greek islands."