Opportunists and profiteers must not be allowed any leeway

Fethiye Chamber of Tradesmen and Artisans President Kamil Mutlu Demirtaş expressed reaction against opportunists harming honest tradesmen and the regional economy, stating that they are working to increase inspections and to apply necessary deterrent penalties.

INCREASES EVEN MORE DURING THE SUMMER SEASON

Especially during the summer season, exorbitant prices allegedly applied to local and foreign tourists at some businesses cause a wide echo on social media and news platforms. Recently, the high prices requested for products like ice cream, Turkish delight, desserts, and lahmacun in Fethiye stayed in the public agenda for days.

HONEST TRADESMEN ARE ALSO HARMED

Many business representatives and citizens active in the tourism sector state that the wrong practices of a few businesses negatively affect the reputation of the entire region. It is noted that the negative experiences of visitors to the region quickly reach thousands of people through social media.

Sector representatives express that exorbitant pricing practices not only victimize customers but also businesses operating according to the rules. It is pointed out that the cautious approach of tourists towards all businesses in the region due to the negative perception adversely affects the overall trade volume of the tradesmen.

DEMAND FOR STRICTER INSPECTIONS

Citizens and tourism professionals want increased inspections against profiteering activities and exorbitant pricing. Particularly in tourism regions, it is emphasized that price lists should be displayed visibly, consumers should be informed, and deterrent sanctions should be applied to businesses acting contrary to the rules.

THE IMAGE OF THE REGION MUST BE PROTECTED

Representatives of the tourism sector state that it is unacceptable for globally known destinations like Fethiye, Marmaris, and Bodrum to be associated with a few negative examples, and they emphasize that honest trade practices must be supported for the sustainability of tourism.

IT HARMS NOT ONLY THE ECONOMY BUT ALSO SOCIAL VALUES

It is stated that individuals or businesses who opportunistically charge exorbitant prices harm not only the economy and image of the region but also societal values.

Citizens express that targeting money earned through hard work by unfair methods is a sin against people, indicating such behaviors are incompatible with commercial ethics and constitute a significant moral problem. It is highlighted that damaging the region's reputation for short-term gain may negatively affect tourism revenues in future years.

PRESIDENT DEMİRTAŞ REACTS TO OPPORTUNISTS

Fethiye Chamber of Tradesmen and Artisans President Kamil Mutlu Demirtaş stated that the greatest harm from exorbitant pricing and profiteering, occasionally on the agenda in tourism areas, is inflicted on honest tradesmen.

President Demirtaş noted that they are in contact with relevant authorities to increase inspections and emphasized that necessary steps should be taken against practices that victimize consumers and bring Fethiye's name to the agenda negatively.

President Demirtaş said, "We must protect the brand value of Fethiye and our region. There are thousands of tradesmen who operate according to the rules, pay their taxes, and work to satisfy their customers. We do not find it right to attribute the faults of a few opportunists to all tradesmen. Increasing inspections will protect both the consumer and honest tradesmen."

DECISIONS TAKEN AT THE TOURISM SECURITY COORDINATION MEETING IN MUĞLA IN 2025

Last year, a Tourism Security Coordination Meeting was held in Muğla under the chairmanship of Deputy Minister of Interior Münir Karaloğlu with the participation of General Director of Security Mahmut Demirtaş, Deputy Commander of the Gendarmerie General Staff, General Hüseyin Kurtoğlu, Governors of Antalya Hulusi Şahin, Aydın Yakup Canbolat, Balıkesir İsmail Ustaoğlu and Muğla Governor Sİdris Akbıyık, as well as Provincial Police Chiefs, Provincial Gendarmerie Commanders, and Provincial Culture and Tourism Directors.

The then Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya also participated in the meeting held in Muğla via teleconference.

DECISIONS MADE DURING THE MEETING

"Inspections to be carried out regarding tourism security will be conducted with high-level cooperation and coordination by institutions that have inspection and authority responsibilities, under the coordination of relevant local administrative chiefs.

Regular coordination meetings will be held in provinces and districts with the participation of local administrative chiefs, tourism sector representatives, local governments, law enforcement units, and representatives of relevant institutions and organizations. The results of meetings and inspections will be sent to the Ministry of Interior General Directorate of Provincial Administration.

Massage parlors, baths, spas, and beauty salons will continue to be inspected with sensitivity.

Effective inspections will be conducted against profiteering and exorbitant pricing practices disturbing tourists in coordination with the Ministry of Trade and local governments, and necessary measures will be taken.

Inspections will be increased in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and local governments in the area of food safety, and necessary measures will be taken.

Inspections regarding illegal and counterfeit alcohol will be increased. Effective combat to prevent the supply of illegal and counterfeit alcohol will be conducted.

Inspections of businesses engaging in obscene acts and immoral activities, as well as those organizing entertainment with materials such as foam and flares, will be further increased. Penalties to be applied in case of repeated violations will be increased progressively.

Inspections of establishments to prevent employment of workers under 18 and serving alcohol to minors under 18 will continue. Judicial and administrative actions will be taken against establishments that act contrary to these rules.

Reports related to tourism security made to our 112 Emergency Call Center will be evaluated promptly, and a commission will be established regarding the actions taken based on these reports.

All measures to be taken by local administrative chiefs and law enforcement units will be taken politely and decisively within the framework of fairness, justice, and proportionality rules.

Maximum attention will be paid to avoid disturbing tourists during measures and implementations.

Inspection results and results will be transparently announced to the public." 

Exclusive Report: Sevil Baykuş