All-inclusive buffets may be abolished in Turkey – a drastic step to curb food waste

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 08. 18. 10:53

More than 23 million tons of food is wasted in Turkey every year, a significant part of which is generated in tourism, especially in hotel buffets. Due to the huge waste, the industry is considering radical changes: the all-inclusive buffet system could be replaced by a la carte restaurants, Maszol reported on the plans of the Association of Hotels and Restaurants.

The main reason for the waste: the buffet

According to Ramazan Bingöl, the president of the organization, almost half of the food served at breakfast is thrown away, since many hotels are required to serve as many portions as there are guests sitting at the table. In addition, tourists often take more than they need, which they then leave untouched.

The organization will prepare a report within two months, which will be submitted to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The document recommends the complete transformation of hotel catering to the a la carte system and the abolition of mandatory portioning.

The extent of the waste is well illustrated by the fact that 12 million loaves of bread are thrown away in the country every day – this amounts to more than 4.3 billion pieces per year. Therefore, a limit on the amount of bread offered for free has also been proposed, but guests would be entitled to a replacement upon request.

Tourism is the engine of the Turkish economy

The Turkish Riviera has become one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe in recent years. The weakening of the lira against the forint and the euro gives the country a significant price competitive advantage: a 4-5 star all-inclusive holiday in Turkey is often 30-40 percent cheaper than Greek, Spanish or Italian alternatives, while the level of service is not inferior to its Western competitors.

In 2024, 7 million German tourists arrived in Turkey, making Germany the largest sending market. They were followed by Russia with 5.2 million visitors and the United Kingdom with 3.8 million travelers. 252 thousand guests from Hungary chose the Turkish coast.