Incredible city in Turkey loved by Brit tourists now 'in crisis' as one thing has changed
Bodrum in Turkey is lively, vibrant and full of life nearly every year - and it's not hard to see why.
This Turkish city is so popular with Brits that a staggering 3.6 million chose this stunning destination for their holidays during 2023. Bodrum, stretching from Turkey's southwest coast into the Aegean Sea, brings the best of both worlds to its visitors.
It has more than 10 beaches to its name, it acts as a gateway to other seaside towns in the surrounding area, and it has a vibrant selection of neighbourhoods all very much bustling with holidaymakers in the summer.
Directly opposite is the Greek island of Kos - a significance in itself this year as tourism numbers soar in Greece, but are ultimately slumping in parts of Turkey.
Bodrum has been named as one of the municipalities struggling to attract the same level of visitors it usually does in high season. The Turkish press has claimed many resorts are struggling "especially Bodrum, Çeşme and Datça"
One area of blame centres on the scrapping of a visa scheme at the Greek border for Turkish citizens. The move, brought in back in April, has seen smaller Greek islands like Sanos experience a tourism boom as Turkish holidaymakers lap up the freedom - and also the cheaper prices across the Aegean.
Bodrum is vast and has just about anything and everything for family, solo and couples holidays. The main town has a huge undercover market which goes on for miles.
The market itself is so popular holidaymakers from other areas get buses into Bodrum to experience the ultimate haggling experience.
It also has a huge marina, filled with luxury yachts and restaurants overlooking the clear waters with the backdrop of a large city centre to explore.
History buffs can sight-see Bodrum Castle, the ancient Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, and the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. And, night owls can take their pick of bars and clubs to visit once the sun sets.
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There is an endless list of things to see and do, which is why the large city nearly always attracts so many returning visitors every year.
But the reduction of domestic tourists, and the soaring rate of inflation, is having a stinging effect on restaurant and cafe trade - key outlets that rely on passing traffic, it's claimed.
Express.co.uk has approached the Bodrum and Gumbet tourism board for a comment.
