ALTİD Chairman Burhan Sili answered questions about the dynamism of the region's tourism, hotel occupancy rates, and year-end expectations for 2024 on TRT Antalya Radio. Burhan Sili, Chairman of the Alanya Tourism Operators Association (ALTİD), participated in the "Regional Agenda" program on TRT Antalya Radio and shared his views on the dynamism of the region's tourism, hotel occupancy rates, and expectations for the 2024 tourism season. Sili addressed the following topics: "OCCUPANCY RATES WERE AT 90% IN JULY" Sili stated that almost all facilities in this season opened in April, and despite the increase in the number of people arriving according to data from Antalya and Alanya Gazipaşa airports, occupancy rates were not as expected due to the distribution. "We started the season with signals that the Alanya region would have a positive season overall. Based on the discussions we held at fairs abroad, with our partners, tour operators, and agencies, all facilities in our region opened in April. In previous years, facilities would postpone their openings until mid-May or even the end of May. Although the number of passengers arriving from both Antalya Airport and Alanya-Gazipaşa (GZP) Airport is high this year, the occupancy rates of the facilities that opened early were lower than in the same period in previous years. This is because there is more distribution due to the larger number of facilities that opened. Therefore, although more guests arrived in the region, hotel occupancy rates were not as expected in April and May. However, all facilities were able to accommodate a certain number of guests. Starting in June, occupancy rates began to rise in our region, especially during the holiday period and with the start of vacations in the domestic market. We closed June at an average of 80% and July at an average of 90%. It appears that August will not be very different from July. We expect to close August with approximately 90% or higher. Our main problem is that we see our occupancy rates as short-term. That is, while our facilities should be fully booked well in advance, reservations are coming in at the last minute, but based on the reservation growth rates, we expect to complete August with 90% or higher. Our Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, stated that September and October would be much better. The number of airports also indicates this. However, our main market, the domestic market, will decline with the opening of schools, which will affect our occupancy rates. In this regard, we will continue to work only with international connections." "OUR BIGGEST PROBLEM IS THE EXCHANGE RATE" Sili conveyed comments from guests in Alanya who are complaining about the high prices and merchants, stating, "In terms of the domestic market, considering the structure of our region and facilities, we are the region that offers vacations at the most affordable prices to both the domestic and international markets. Therefore, we do not have many problems in this regard. There is a certain demand from the domestic market, but it is not as high as in previous years. This is not our fault; there is a serious economic hardship. The cost of living has increased significantly. Our biggest problem is the exchange rate. Compared to last year and this year, there has been a 20% increase in foreign currency. However, when we look at the costs, there has been an average increase of 85%. We are starting to struggle to cover these costs. Another issue is the increasing taxes. Therefore, we must navigate this process within the framework of the current economic difficulties, evaluating the conditions of our source markets as much as possible to minimize damage. Regarding prices in the domestic market, there are valid points. Due to the costs, there have been price increases in restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and consumer goods. Some people are taking advantage of these cost increases, but ultimately, we believe that all of this will improve as the economy stabilizes and exchange rates normalize. Because it is not a sustainable situation." "IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO PREVENT PEOPLE FROM CHOOSING GREEK ISLANDS" Sili emphasized that it is not possible to prevent citizens from choosing Greek islands for vacation. "Regarding the Greek Islands, it is not possible to prevent people from moving from one place to another. The basic problem is that apples and oranges are being compared. When comparing something, you need to compare two of the same products. Specifically, we can say for our region that there are significant differences between the quality of facilities there and the quality of facilities here. We offer an all-inclusive system with food and beverages served in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. This has a cost. Those who prefer the Greek islands are not consuming as much as those who stay in our facilities. They are acting more carefully and consuming only what they need. Therefore, this comparison is not accurate. Our approach to the domestic market has always been positive. The domestic market is not only important for us but also for every destination and country involved in tourism. We are trying to act without ignoring this. " "SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED FACILITIES MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTIES" Sili stated that at the end of 2024, the accommodation facilities in the Alanya region will not be operating with the profit margins they had in previous years. "The main problem may be that small and medium-sized facilities that are not strong in terms of financial resources or equity capital may experience difficulties. But as stated by our Minister and the government, if our economy recovers next year, we will continue to contribute to our country with the same strength and at the same rates." "GOVERNMENT SUPPORT IS IMPORTANT FOR SUSTAINABILITY IN TOURISM" Sili, who has been working in the industry since 1981, stated that it is difficult to find qualified personnel and that short-term employment was not a problem in the past. "I have been working in this business since 1981. In the periods when we started, working for 6 months or less was not a problem. Because we were earning a lot of money with the tips left by guests from source markets. Today, in the current economic conditions, facilities are continuing to operate for 6-8-12 months. People now want a regular income and a regular job. Despite our increase of over 100%, many facilities are not doing this, and people cannot make ends meet with the amounts they receive. But the main problem is that this is not something that can be solved only by us in the private sector. We must maintain balance and sustainability for our businesses. Otherwise, both our businesses and Turkey will face serious problems. Therefore, the government's efforts will result in the economy reaching a certain point, which will reduce these types of problems. However, we are having difficulty finding qualified personnel. Today's young people are a bit different from us. They prefer to earn money quickly and easily, and they do not want to work too hard. This is their preference. We are trying to make our own adjustments, both socially, in terms of salaries, and in terms of working hours and working conditions, to meet the needs and demands of our employees. But one thing is important, and I always say this. The tourism sector, as recognized by our President, is a strategic sector for Turkey. In this regard, I would like to reiterate that it creates our current account deficit, replaces 85% of imports with domestic production, contributes to a very high employment rate, and provides lifeblood to 54 and more sectors in Turkey. Therefore, it should be evaluated in this way, and personnel, especially during the winter months when our businesses are closed, should receive government support, such as support for SGK and employer contributions. That is, if we pay their salaries, the government can also support them in terms of reducing unemployment and helping them to sustain their lives. I think this would be very positive."