Russians, Ukrainians give boost to Antalya’s local economy

Russians and Ukrainians who have moved to the Mediterranean province of Antalya after the war broke out are giving a boost to the local economy, but there are also some downsides to this influx, according to a local business leader.

It is estimated that more than 100,000 Russians and Ukrainians settled in Antalya after the conflict began. They have either bought or rented a house in the city center or the districts of Alanya and Kemer.

Local businesses are booming with the arrival of Russians and Ukrainians, especially in the districts of Kaş, Alanya and Konyaaltı, said Adlıhan Dere, the president of the Antalya Union of Chamber of Merchants and Craftsmen (AESOB).

"Particularly, hair salons and beauty parlors have been the main beneficiaries," he said, adding that there are both upsides and downsides to the rising Russian and Ukrainian population in the city.

For instance, Russians and Ukrainians are leasing out their houses to tourists and holidaymakers, Dere explained.

"The houses they purchased have literally turned into hotels, hostels, or apartment hotels. That is not good for local hotels in Antalya, as they are losing customers."

There is a big difference between the number of foreign tourists who arrived at the airport and the number of holidaymakers staying at the hotels, Dere noted. "This means many vacationers are choosing houses [rented out by Russians and Ukrainians] over hotels."

However, on the upside, unlike the tourists who stay at the all-inclusive hotels, the occupants of those houses go out for shopping, stopping by the grocery stores and supermarkets and spending money, giving a boost to local businesses during their stay, Dere said.

Dere also noted that amid the influx of Russians and...