Turkey’s sweating over its tourism game. Their neighbor, Georgia, is leveling up hard, and Turkey’s struggling to keep tourists hooked.
What’s the Big Deal?
So here’s the thing: Turkey’s been a solid pick for budget travelers, but lately? Not so much. Prices are through the roof—thanks, inflation—and even Brits, who love a good deal, are saying “Nah.”
Meanwhile, Georgia’s out here making moves. They’ve upgraded buses, fixed up cruise ports, and slapped international signs everywhere. Basically, they’re rolling out the VIP treatment for tourists, and it’s working.
Turkey’s Wallet Woes
Let’s talk numbers. Back in May 2024, Turkey’s inflation hit a jaw-dropping 75%. It’s cooled down to 44% now, but the damage is done. Tourists started ditching Turkey for cheaper spots like the Greek islands—or checking out Georgia, which is looking real good right now.
Georgia’s Glo-Up
Georgia didn’t just wake up and get lucky. For 25 years, they’ve been grinding, turning their tourism scene into something special. New buses, shiny cruise terminals in Batumi, and super-accessible museums and parks? Georgia’s not playing around.
Even with protests and being way too close to the Russia-Ukraine drama, the vibe in Georgia is still pulling in travelers. A local guide in Tbilisi, Tariel Tabashidze, put it best: “Yeah, the protests made some people think twice, but things are chill now. Tourists are coming back in droves.”
And we’re not just talking about Europeans. Folks from India, the U.S., Australia, and Switzerland are all flocking there to soak up the culture and views.
Why Georgia’s Winning
Picture this: winding cobblestone streets in Tbilisi, medieval towns in Svaneti, and Lake Ritsa looking like a postcard in the Caucasus Mountains. It’s cheap, it’s stunning, and people can’t get enough.
What’s Turkey Gonna Do?
Turkey’s still got a shot, but they’ve gotta fix their money problems first. If they don’t bring those costs down and remind the world why they’re awesome, they’re gonna keep losing out.
Meanwhile, Georgia’s living its best life, and tourists are here for it. If Turkey doesn’t step up, they’re gonna fall further behind. Simple as that.