In years past, close economic and political relations between Tehran and Ankara coupled with certain liberties, such as freedom to drink alcohol or wear a bikini on public beaches, had made Turkey the No. 1 destination for Iranian tourists. As obtaining visas to visit Europe became increasingly difficult after the imposition of Western sanctions, even those Iranians who used to visit Europe chose Turkey as their prime vacation destination. Of note, Turkey does not require visas of Iranian citizens.
However, a series of events this year has resulted in Turkey — and its beaches — losing favor with Iranian tourists. Security issues, mistreatment at the hands of Turkish authorities and Ankara’s anti-Iran rhetoric have all resulted in a decreasing number of Iranians choosing Turkey as their holiday destination.