Istanbul, Türkiye
Chantel Brink
Chantel Brink
September 13, 2024 ·  4 min read

‘Holidays In Turkey Are Over’ Tiktoker Rants About His ‘Torturous’ Five-Day Trip

A growing number of UK tourists have voiced their discontent after visiting Türkiye (Turkey), particularly in Marmaris. Many visitors described the experience as far from enjoyable, with one calling the holiday destination “absolutely empty.” This disappointment was echoed across social media, with European holidaymakers calling their trip “five days of pure torture.” Highlighting the sudden and drastic change in the once-popular resort town.

Viral TikTok Fuels Discussion on Turkey Tourism

Viral TikTok Fuels Discussion on Turkey Tourism
Image Credit: @therealagnew__ TikTok

The complaints about Marmaris reached a wider audience after TikToker The Real Agnew posted a viral video detailing his unpleasant experience. In his now widely-shared video, he lamented, “All I’ve been seeing over the last couple of weeks are videos and pictures of Marmaris absolutely empty. The beach is empty, the streets are empty, and the clubs are empty. And I could see this happening whenever I was there.” He expressed his frustration, calling the trip unbearable, adding, “I really, really did not enjoy it one bit.”

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Rising Costs Add to Traveler Frustration

Viral TikTok Fuels Discussion on Turkey Tourism
Image Credit: @therealagnew__ TikTok

In addition to being disheartened by the desolation of Marmaris, The Real Agnew emphasized the high cost of the vacation as another point of dissatisfaction. “Not only is it so expensive getting there, but they’re even putting the prices up again next year,” he explained. The steep expenses left many travelers questioning whether Turkey’s tourism industry was pricing itself out of the market. With Agnew asking, “Do they not want any tourism?”

Backlash From Other Holidaymakers

Other TikTok Users Share Their Experiences
Image Credit: @therealagnew__ TikTok

Agnew’s video spurred a wave of comments from fellow tourists, with many sharing similar stories of disappointment. One commenter noted that they had visited Turkey many times but were shocked at how “dead” Marmaris had become. While others shared horror stories about the rising costs and lack of atmosphere in the resort town. The frustration seemed to mirror a growing sentiment that Turkey’s once-thriving tourism industry is facing a downturn, leaving frequent visitors puzzled by the current state of affairs.

The Allure of Marmaris and Its Surprising Decline

Viral TikTok Fuels Discussion on Turkey Tourism
Image Credit: @therealagnew__ TikTok

Marmaris has long been celebrated as a Mediterranean gem, known for its lively nightlife, sandy beaches, and idyllic location between pine-forested mountains and crystal-clear waters. It’s a popular destination for tourists from around the world. Drawn to the vibrant atmosphere and numerous sailing and diving opportunities. However, recent visitor reports suggest the town has taken a sharp decline in appeal. Agnew’s account of empty clubs, deserted beaches, and quiet streets seemed to paint a stark contrast to Marmaris’s usual lively reputation.

Other TikTok Users Share Their Experiences

Other TikTok Users Share Their Experiences
Image Credit: @therealagnew__ TikTok

TikTok user justjennybenny echoed these concerns in her own video, explaining that Marmaris felt “weird” and “quiet” during her visit. “We went to the beach yesterday and didn’t leave until gone 8 p.m., and as we walked through Icmeler, all the restaurants were empty,” she said. Jenny added that she felt as if “50% of the people were missing,” which created an unsettling atmosphere. Like Agnew, she was shocked by how different the town was compared to her previous visits.

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What’s Behind the Decline in Tourism?

a group of boats floating on top of a large body of water
Image Credit: Unsplash

The reasons behind Marmaris’s sudden decline remain unclear, but travelers have pointed to a few potential causes. Rising prices are one concern, as many holidaymakers feel that Turkey’s once-affordable vacations have become too expensive. Others have speculated that global economic conditions, inflation, and post-pandemic recovery struggles may be contributing to the downturn. The desolation of a once-bustling destination is a stark contrast to the pre-pandemic years when Turkey was among the top holiday spots for European tourists.

Is Marmaris Losing Its Appeal for Tourists?

boats docked at a pier
Image Credit: Unsplash

Marmaris’s appeal has clearly been impacted by this shift in visitor experiences, with both Agnew and Jenny’s experiences indicating a troubling trend. Turkey’s tourism industry, particularly in Marmaris, appears to be at a crossroads. For frequent visitors, the idea of returning to Turkey may no longer be as enticing as it once was, especially with complaints of increasing prices and a lack of atmosphere. As Jenny put it, “It just has a weird vibe about it,” highlighting a growing sense of disillusionment among holidaymakers.

The Future of Turkish Tourism

a woman sitting in a chair next to a motor scooter
Image Credit: Unsplash

The question remains whether Turkey can recover from this wave of negative publicity. With TikTok videos like The Real Agnew’s and justjennybenny’s gaining traction, the future of tourism in Marmaris and other popular Turkish destinations could face further scrutiny. Rising prices, empty streets, and quiet beaches are unlikely to appeal to travelers seeking a lively and cost-effective vacation. The challenge for Turkey now lies in finding ways to restore its appeal to the global market and attract tourists back to its once-thriving holiday spots.

Conclusion: A Warning to Future Holidaymakers

Marmaris, Muğla, Turkey
Image Credit: Unsplash

As discontent among tourists continues to rise, potential travelers may need to reconsider their plans for a Turkish getaway. The once-vibrant Marmaris now seems to be a shadow of its former self, with empty clubs and high prices leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of visitors. As The Real Agnew concluded in his video, “Holidays in Turkey are over.” If these trends continue, more holidaymakers may choose to avoid the destination altogether. Unless the country can make significant improvements to win back their trust and satisfaction.

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Sources

  1. UK tourists warn Turkey holidays are now ‘pure torture’ due to ‘weird vibe‘” Birmingham Live
  2. ‘Turkey holidays are ruined – I noticed something worrying during my five-day trip’Daily Record
  3. _TikTok. @therealagnew