The economic and touristic mobility between Turkey and Greece has changed significantly in recent years. While there have been periods of tension and calm between the two countries, trade and tourism volume has doubled in five years. However, the increase has not been reflected equally on both sides. While the number of people going from Greece to Turkey hovers just above 500,000 annually, the number of people going from Turkey to Greece has tripled in the last four years and exceeded 1.5 million last year. According to expert evaluations, this situation is mostly influenced by price differences. While basic needs remain relatively affordable in Turkey, the rapid rise in prices of products and services requiring higher spending leads many people to prefer Greece for shopping and vacation. It is stated that approximately 1,300 visas are issued daily through the Greek Consulate General in Istanbul. The majority of these visas are multiple-entry visas, and a significant portion of applications come from Turkish citizens wishing to travel again. The fast visa system applied in the Eastern Aegean is also among the factors increasing mobility. With this application covering 12 islands, the number of visitors making short-term entries has increased, and last year the most visited island was Kos. On the other hand, changes in shopping habits of Greek visitors coming to Turkey are also noticeable. Shopkeepers in Istanbul say that Greek customers spend less than before and that prices in the city have become heavier for them.
