Due to the drop in tourist arrivals mainly because of the Russian market and slowdown in the European market, damages the hospitality industry in Turkey. According to The Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers Association (AKTOB), employment in the hospitality industry grew 10-12 % last year. The growth in the first half of 2015 is only grew 3.8%.
AKTOB’s Research Department statistics reveals that drops in tourist arrivals initially affect tourism employment. In the first half of 2015, there is a 1% drop in international tourist arrivals in Turkey. The number of employees in hotels also drops.
According to data, employees working in hotels under social security system increased 12.8% in the first four months of 2014. However that growth drops to 3.8% in 2015.
On the other hand, tourism industry employment which doubles the average employment level of Turkey grows 7.3% in the first four months. Turkey’s employment increase recorded 6.3%.
The development of employment in the tourism sector %*
Change 2013/2014 | Change 2014/2015 | |
| Accommodation | 12,8 | 3,8 |
| Food & Beverage services. | 12,1 | 12,7 |
| Sports, Entertainment | 7,8 | -24,8 |
| Travel Agency Tour Op. Services | 2,9 | 5,9 |
| Airlines | 13,0 | 15,1 |
| Tourism Sector Total | 11,5 | 7,3 |
* Number of Employees Under Service Contract, April data
