10.02.2026 17:24
The statement by İTO President Şekib Avdagiç regarding the need to keep tourism expenditures within the country has sparked discussions. Avdagiç, who also supports the decision to lift the 30 euro limit on purchases made from abroad, raised the question, "Is a restriction on foreign holidays coming?"
Among the names supporting the removal of the 30 euro limit on purchases made from abroad is Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) President Şekib Avdagiç, whose statement, "We need to develop policies that will keep tourism expenditures within the country," ignited a new debate in the public sphere.
IS A RESTRICTION ON FOREIGN HOLIDAYS COMING?
Avdagiç's words resonated widely, especially on social media, with some users suggesting that these statements could be interpreted as a sign that restrictive measures on citizens' travel abroad might be on the agenda in the future. Posts questioning, "Is it the citizens' turn to be restricted after Temu?" drew attention.
CITIZENS CALL FOR "MONITORING"
Citizens complaining about high hotel and holiday prices argue that the tourism costs within the country need to be monitored first. Comments made on social media included, "Focusing on a citizen's 2,000 euro holiday is not a solution when prices within the country are at unmanageable levels."
WHY AREN'T ARTISTS SPEAKING OUT?
Another aspect of the criticism is the claim that there has been no reaction to artists transferring millions of euros earned from concerts in Turkey abroad. Some posts commented, "There is no response to those who take millions of euros abroad; their power only extends to monitoring citizens' meager holiday spending."