MTO President Ayhan 'It's time to take care of the tourism professionals'
In the Marmaris district of Muğla, one of the most popular tourism cities of the world and our country, following the recent posts on social media platforms that foreign holiday prices are higher, tourism professionals and The chambers they are affiliated with continue to make statements. Marmaris Chamber of Commerce (MTO) President Mutlu Ayhan said in his statement on the subject, "It is completely unrealistic that tourists arbitrarily increase prices and engage in opportunism."
"Costs determine the prices in tourism"
Marmaris Chamber of Commerce President Mutlu Ayhan said, "Recently, there have been some news and some articles about Muğla and the businesses operating in tourism, which provide serious foreign currency inflow to the country's economy, being subjected to criticism." We all witness some news in social media posts that Greece is cheaper than Turkey. Related to this, the first thing we need to point out is the fact that prices are not determined arbitrarily by tourism professionals, but are determined by costs. To give a little example of this, compared to last year, there has been a 100 percent increase in the minimum wage since June 2023. Again, there was an increase of 41 percent in tube prices, 42 percent in sunflower oil, 58 percent in meat prices, 77 percent in chicken, 77 percent in fuel and 62 percent in alcoholic beverages. Of course, during this period, the increase in the exchange rate was 24 percent for the Euro. Now, there are two problems here: The gap between the rate of increase between inflation and exchange rate, therefore, unfortunately, the purchasing power of both Turkish citizens and foreign guests has decreased. In other words, the issues where tourism operators arbitrarily increase prices and engage in opportunism are completely unrealistic," he said. "It is time to take care of tourism professionals" When we compare Marmaris's summer season to last year, as of the end of June, while the total number of international passengers arriving at Dalaman Airport last year was 608 thousand, this year it was 680 thousand. When we look at the UK market again, the figure, which was 410 thousand last year, reached 454 thousand this year. In other words, it is possible to talk about a 10 percent increase in the foreign market. However, unfortunately, it remains well below our expectations in the domestic market. This is entirely a matter of purchasing power. But when we compare Marmaris with other places, it is possible to say that we are relatively full. I am calling out to all Turkish people from here: Tourism professionals expect to be protected in this period. Economic conditions are known. However, it is important to compare it with other countries and destinations. There have been anti-tourist protests in Spain lately, and this may turn into an opportunity. Additionally, there are visa restrictions and appointment restrictions in countries within the European Union. Rejection rates, especially for visa applications, reached almost 50 percent. "During this period, Turkish tourism professionals expect to protect themselves," he said.
"Prices in Marmaris and abroad are not much different"
Marmaris Chamber of Commerce (MTO) President Mutlu Ayhan said that apart from hotels, restaurants and other service sectors in Marmaris are also concerned about prices. Pointing out that he showed sensitivity, he said: "The situation in Marmaris is not much different from abroad. As I just mentioned, prices are determined by costs. But there is no fee to enter the beaches in Marmaris. In addition, there is no such thing as cover or service fee software in restaurants. Marmaris currently distinguishes itself among other destinations with its current prices. "I invite all our people to spend their holidays in Marmaris, the most beautiful place in the world, under the most suitable conditions," he said, adding that they are expecting local and foreign holidaymakers to the district, which is a paradise of nature and culture.
