Tourism, inflation and low-income communities in Turkey: impacts on domestic travel behaviour and local resilience

Purpose – This study aims to examine the impact of inflation on domestic travel behaviour in Turkey from 2013 to 2023, with a particular focus on how rising costs have affected low-income local communities and reshaped tourism expenditures. Design/methodology/approach – Using official data from Turkish Statistical Institute and World Travel and Tourism Council, the research applies correlation and regression models based on 11 annual observations. In addition to the quantitative analysis, a 185-page statistical report was examined to provide contextual insights. Findings – Results reveal a strong positive correlation, with inflation emerging as the primary driver of increased travel costs. Since 2021, rising prices have led to a shift from frequent, low-cost trips to fewer, quality-focused travels, disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups. The findings also demonstrate how inflation alters consumer behaviour and amplifies regional inequalities in tourism access. Originality/value – By linking inflation dynamics with the travel behaviour of economically vulnerable communities, the study contributes to the limited literature on tourism-induced inflation in emerging economies and provides actionable insights for community-focused tourism policy design.