Climate Change in Turkey Drives Shifts in Tourism Preferences for the Tourists

Published on August 19, 2025

As the tourist sector responds to climate change, Turkish holiday tastes have changed dramatically. Domestic tourists are turning away from once-popular southern coastal resorts in favor of cooler northern destinations, with the demand for once-popular southern and western sun spots declining sharply along with a portion of bookings and a significant upsurge in cancellations. The Black Sea area has recorded a 20% increase in cultural tourism bookings, meanwhile.

Northern Regions See Boost in Tourism Amid Southern Heatwaves

This dramatic shift comes as forest fires linked to extreme heat have caused widespread destruction across several regions. These fires, which have plagued much of the Northern Hemisphere’s summer, have affected Türkiye’s Mediterranean, Aegean, and Marmara coastlines. The escalating crisis has led tourists to reconsider their vacation plans, opting instead for more stable, cooler destinations.

Shifting Tourist Preferences and the Rise of the Black Sea Region

According to Ilham Seyyale, head of cultural tourism at TÜRSAB, the Black Sea region stands out as a key destination in the wake of climate concerns. This region, largely free from the devastating effects of forest fires, offers a natural blend of sea and greenery that provides respite from the heat. Seyyale pointed out that travelers are increasingly checking rainfall, forest density, and fire risk before making their destination choices, with Western and Central Black Sea becoming increasingly popular due to these factors.

Not only is the Black Sea region a safe haven from natural disasters, but it also offers rich cultural experiences. Cultural tours to destinations like Bartın, Sinop, Samsun, Ordu, and Giresun have risen by 15-20% compared to the previous year. These areas are becoming highly sought after, especially by those looking to escape the summer heat while experiencing Turkish culture and history.

Decreasing Demand in the East and Rising Prices

While the Western and Central Black Sea regions have gained traction, the Eastern Black Sea region has seen a drop in tourism. This shift is largely due to high prices driven by the increasing demand from Middle Eastern visitors, which has made the area less affordable for domestic tourists.

Tourism professionals have also noticed that reservation cancellations have risen by about 20% in August 2025 compared to the previous year, marking a clear trend towards the cooler regions. Despite this, the shift is seen as a temporary adjustment until tourists seek stability in the travel market.

Tourism Trends Reflecting Changing Attitudes Toward Privacy and Outdoor Activities

Aside from wildfires, the heatwaves have also prompted a change in how people seek their holidays. More tourists are turning toward individual vacation experiences rather than large resort stays. As privacy becomes a more important consideration, travelers are flocking to less crowded destinations. This includes activities such as caravan tourism, tiny houses, camping, and trekking, which are gaining in popularity by 10-15% each year.

Hamit Kuk, chief adviser to TÜRSAB, explained that wildfires aren’t the sole reason for the shift in preferences. The intense summer heat has also played a significant role, with many tourists seeking cooler, quieter spots to enjoy their holidays. This shift highlights a growing trend toward sustainable tourism that emphasizes personalized experiences and close-to-nature travel.

Cultural Tourism Emerges as a Major Growth Area

The Black Sea region’s success is a clear indication of the growing interest in cultural tourism in Turkey. Visitors to these areas are eager to explore Turkey’s rich cultural heritage in an environment that offers both natural beauty and historical significance. This shift is a natural response to rising global concerns about climate change and the environmental impacts of mass tourism.

By shifting focus to these off-the-beaten-path destinations, Turkey can better manage the pressures on its traditional tourism hot spots while ensuring that more areas of the country benefit from tourism revenue. As travelers continue to look for authentic, sustainable, and less congested experiences, regions like the Black Sea will continue to rise in prominence.

A Call for More Sustainable Travel Practices

Finally, the increasing interest in Turkey’s Black Sea area is an evident manifestation of the changing trends in tourism, with the driving forces being both climate sensitivity and a quest for more niche, sustainable traveling experiences. While cultural tourism is gaining more popularity, thanks to the options of having cooler, eco-friendly destinations, the industry has to keep up with the pace, meaning sustainable activities emphasizing environmental conservation and local development.