Tourism operators in Muğla pin their hopes on local tourists

Despite entering July, the expected crowd has not started in Muğla, which has important tourism centers such as Fethiye, Bodrum, and Marmaris. Tourism operators, losing hope in foreign tourists, are focusing on locals.

With the end of exams and schools going on vacation, holiday plans within the country increased, and tourism activity has started.

EU directs to countries within the union

This year, especially in Europe, due to economic downturn caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the US-backed Israel-Iran Gulf War, even those planning holidays were affected in Muğla, a favorite of British and other European and Russian tourists. The European Union is directing citizens of member countries especially to vacation in countries within the union such as Spain, France, and Greece.

Prices started to seem high for EU tourists

Before the pandemic, prices for accommodation and dining in Turkey were reasonable compared to European countries, but in recent years, price increases due to rising input costs have reduced European tourists' interest in Turkey.

Unconscious tradespeople charging exorbitant prices and deceiving customers also cause tourists to be wary and turn to other countries.

Hope lies with local tourists

In Muğla, home to important tourism centers like Fethiye, Bodrum, and Marmaris, tourism operators who have reduced their hopes of foreign tourists have recently shifted focus to advertising targeting the domestic market. Promotional campaigns started especially in cities like Istanbul, Bursa, Tekirdağ, Kocaeli, and Ankara.

Traffic congestion has begun

With schools on vacation and the weather warming up, local holidaymakers have begun flocking to tourism areas.

Long vehicle queues have occasionally started forming, especially at the entrance direction of highways connecting Fethiye to Denizli, Burdur, Antalya, Ankara, Istanbul, and Muğla to Aydın.

Vehicle congestion created by local tourists is notable in the city centers of Marmaris, Bodrum, and Fethiye, while parking areas are filling up in hotel-heavy areas such as Ölüdeniz, Göcek, Akyaka, and Marmaris İçmeler.

Warnings on exorbitant prices and hawking repeated

In tourism coordination meetings held in districts under the coordination of Muğla Governorship, special emphasis was placed on paying attention to exorbitant prices and hawking practices.

District Governor Akkaya: "The Fethiye brand should be highlighted"

In his speech, Fethiye District Governor Fatih Akkaya said, "The unique tourism values of Fethiye are not sufficiently conveyed under a common brand. Göcek, Ölüdeniz, and Babadağ have become strong brands on their own. These have surpassed the Fethiye brand. Tourists should not only experience Ölüdeniz or Göcek but also Paspatur, Beşkaza Square, the life on the promenade, and the city culture."

Governor Akbıyık emphasizes sustainable tourism

Governor Dr. İdris Akbıyık, stating that Muğla is one of the most important values of our country with its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and global tourism potential, emphasized that sustainable success in tourism is possible not only with hotels, facilities, and physical investments but also with qualified human resources who love their profession, have strong communication skills, know foreign languages, are technology-savvy, and can represent their culture.

TESK President Palandöken calls for campaigns

Bendevi Palandöken, President of the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK), sent important messages to tourism operators and tour operators saying, "Campaigns should be provided for local tourists."

Noting that many citizens have turned to foreign holiday options instead of domestic ones due to increasing holiday costs recently, Palandöken said, "Quota should be allocated for local tourists. Our local tourists say, ‘I go to Europe, stay cheaper. I eat and drink cheaper there.’ Foreign tourists come to our country through tours. The problem arises because similar opportunities are not provided to local tourists at nearly free rates there.

However, tourism is very important for our country. As is known, it brought in 65 billion lira last year. We earn the income of dozens of factories from tourism. The expectation for this year is indeed very important. It will bring an income around 70 billion. We hope to achieve even better targets in tourism because of our country's geographical location. Also, tourists from Europe prefer us for the advantages of vacations in our country. Tradespeople get livelier and movement increases. The biggest support for Turkey's promotion comes from tradespeople because the prices of many products they sell or produce themselves come to only about 10% of the prices abroad," he said.