The Alanya Tourism Operators Association (ALTİD) weekly Board of Directors Meeting was held under the chairmanship of President Cem Özcan. At the meeting, in addition to the association's activities, the expansion of the scope of the Social Security Institution (SGK) discount applied to tourism workers, infrastructure and public investments in tourism regions, and the potential effects of changes in the digital travel ecosystem on the sector were evaluated.
EXPANSION OF THE SCOPE OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY INSTITUTION DISCOUNT IS NECESSARY
The fact that the Social Security Institution (SGK) discount applied to tourism employees does not cover tourism businesses operating under the simple method and beach kiosks has created grievances for businesses operating in this area of the sector. In order to resolve the said grievance and to expand the scope of the SGK discount application for employees, a petition was submitted to the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism by the ALTİD management, chaired by ALTİD President Cem Özcan.
The ALTİD management drew attention to the importance of businesses operating in different fields of the tourism sector benefiting equally from support mechanisms, stating that they expect the demands of sector representatives to be met. The association management expressed their full belief that the Ministry, which has approached the demands of tourism professionals positively until today, will also make the necessary evaluation on this matter and take steps toward resolving the grievances experienced.
CEM ÖZCAN: “GROWTH IN TOURISM IS POSSIBLE WITH STRONG INFRASTRUCTURE”
In the Circular on Public Investment Program Preparations, it is envisaged that priority will be given to projects focused on sustainability, infrastructure, transportation, and destination management in investments directed towards tourism regions.
Within the scope of the circular, it is aimed to take into account regional needs, tourism demand, sustainability, and economic and social benefits in the preparation of investment projects. In addition to projects that support investors and strengthen destination management in tourism regions, basic infrastructure investments such as drinking water, wastewater, sewage, and deep-sea discharge also carry importance.
ALTİD President Cem Özcan pointed out the importance of considering the long-term needs of tourism destinations in public investments. In his evaluation regarding the subject, Özcan stated the following:
“Growth in tourism is possible not only through facility investments but also through infrastructure investments that strengthen the entire destination. The planning of public investments in tourism regions must be carried out by taking into account the future needs of the sector and the increasing tourism demand.” Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that in destinations with high tourism activity, such as Alanya, infrastructure investments are an integral part of tourism planning.’’
HOTELS MUST STRENGTHEN THEIR DIGITAL CHANNELS
Another issue evaluated at the meeting was the changes Google will make in travel searches within the scope of the European Union Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The regulations in question are expected to be effective on the visibility of hotels in search results, direct booking traffic, and competition with online travel agencies (OTA).
Pointing out that changes in the digital travel ecosystem require hotels to re-evaluate their sales and marketing strategies, ALTİD assessed that the changes Google will make in travel searches within the scope of the European Union Digital Markets Act (DMA) could be effective on the digital visibility and direct booking traffic of hotels.
ALTİD pointed out that while online travel agencies continue to be an important sales channel, hotels must strengthen their own websites, direct booking infrastructures, and guest communication channels.
ALIGNMENT PROCESS FOR COMPETITIVE TOURISM
ALTİD emphasized that the tourism sector's adaptation to changing investment and digitalization dynamics is important for the sustainability of Alanya's competitiveness in tourism.
The Association pointed out that strong infrastructure investments, sustainable destination management, the effective use of digital channels, and the development of direct guest relations are complementary elements in the future of Alanya tourism. ALTİD stated that strengthening coordination and cooperation between public and private sector stakeholders in realizing these goals would contribute to the long-term development of the destination.