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August 2026…
Ebru Koralı, Chairwoman of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) 17th Restaurant and Food & Beverage Services Professional Committee, stated that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are struggling to continue their operations in the face of rising costs, emphasizing the importance of supportive measures for the sustainability of the sector.
Pointing out that the most significant issue facing the sector today is cost pressure, she said, “This is extremely important for our tourism sector. Our restaurants are a significant part of this activity. However, today, the priority for our businesses is not the number of customers, but rather maintaining a sustainable business structure in the face of increasing costs. Our businesses continue to provide services, but rising costs are putting serious pressure on profitability.”
According to Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) data, in the second quarter of 2026, Türkiye’s tourism revenue decreased by 2.6 percent compared to the same period of the previous year, reaching 15.9 billion dollars, while the number of visitors decreased by 5.1 percent to 15.6 million people. In the first six months of the year, tourism revenue reached 25.7 billion dollars, with 24.8 million visitors. While there was a nominal increase in average spending per visitor, sector representatives underline that this hike alone is insufficient to cover rising costs.
Pressure on small businesses is unbearable…
“Rising costs and falling profitability are particularly affecting neighborhood restaurants and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Increased rent, energy, personnel and food costs are making it increasingly difficult for many businesses to continue operating,” she noted.
Restaurants are an integral part of tourism…
Explaining that there are approximately 1,444,000 salaried employees in the accommodation and food services sector, she added, “Gastronomy is now one of the most important elements of the tourism experience. The restaurant sector should also be evaluated within tourism policies and support mechanisms with a holistic approach.”
Source: www.ekonomist.com.tr
