Bookings to Turkey from Bahrain have fallen by 60% this summer compared to the same period last year, according to travel agents in the Gulf kingdom. The decline is driven by rising costs and a shift in traveller preference towards more affordable or visa-friendly alternatives.
Jihad Amin, general manager of House of Travel, told local media that Turkey has become significantly more expensive for Bahraini tourists. He noted that a four-star hotel in Turkey now costs between 60 and 80 Bahraini dinars per night, while similar accommodation in Cairo is available for 30 to 40 dinars. The price gap has prompted many clients to choose Egypt instead.
Habil Al Khayat, managing director of New Atlantis Travel, confirmed the trend. He said that Turkey's loss is benefiting destinations such as Egypt, Thailand, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka, and Oman. Al Khayat also pointed to a rise in demand for domestic tourism within Bahrain, as residents opt for shorter, cheaper getaways.
Waad Makki, a travel consultant, added that the visa-free access to Türkiye for Bahraini passport holders, once a major draw, is no longer enough to offset the cost disadvantage. She observed that clients are increasingly price-sensitive and willing to explore new destinations.
The 60% drop represents a sharp reversal for Turkey's tourism sector, which had seen strong growth from Gulf markets in recent years. Bahrain is a relatively small source market, but the trend mirrors broader concerns about Turkey's price competitiveness in the region.
Why it matters
For Turkish hoteliers and DMCs targeting the Gulf, the Bahrain data signals a warning: cost sensitivity is reshaping booking patterns. If the price gap with Egypt and other competitors persists, Turkey risks losing share not only from Bahrain but potentially from larger Gulf markets such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The shift also underscores the growing appeal of alternative destinations that offer better value or simpler visa processes, forcing Turkey's tourism industry to reassess its pricing strategy for the 2027 season.
