Cem Özcan, President of the Alanya Tourist Operators Association (ALTİD), made evaluations regarding the negative images recently experienced in tourism cities that have resonated widely in the public eye. Pointing out that Alanya is an international tourism destination, Özcan stated that they support the legal and administrative sanctions to be applied against any kind of behavior that could damage tourism, and emphasized that protecting the city's brand value is a shared responsibility.
Stating that Alanya is an important tourism center that hosts millions of guests from all over the world every year, ALTİD President Cem Özcan said that every event occurring in the city finds a response not only in the local public opinion but also on international platforms.
Stating that images and behaviors that could damage tourism negatively affect the reliable destination perception that Alanya has built over the years, Özcan said, "We support all legal and administrative measures to be taken to prevent the emergence of images and behaviors that could damage tourism. There is no acceptable side to any behavior that harms the labor of our sector, the brand value of our city, and the country's tourism."
Pointing out that the exaggerated and generalized sharing of recent isolated incidents on social media platforms damages Alanya's international image, Özcan stated that portraying a few irresponsible behaviors as if they represent the entire city negatively affects the city's economy, employees, and tradespeople, especially the tourism sector. Stating that as ALTİD they have been conducting studies for years to increase Alanya's brand value, increase the number of qualified tourists, and strengthen sustainable tourism, Özcan said that these efforts must not be allowed to be overshadowed by individual irresponsibilities.
Emphasizing that tourism is built upon the principles of trust, hospitality, and quality service, Özcan stated that one of the most important goals is to be a destination where guests feel safe, are welcomed with respect, and return to their countries with positive experiences. In this direction, he noted that it is of great importance to continue inspections effectively and to resolutely apply the necessary sanctions to individuals and businesses that engage in behaviors contrary to the legislation.
Stating that punitive sanctions alone would not be sufficient, Özcan said that tourism awareness must be strengthened across all segments of society. Expressing that everyone living in Alanya should act with the awareness that they live in a world-brand tourism city, Özcan also called upon tradesmen and tourism workers to always maintain a friendly, respectful, and professional service approach toward guests. Pointing out the importance of public institutions, local governments, industry representatives, and non-governmental organizations acting in cooperation, Özcan stated that, in addition to inspections, educational activities to develop tourism culture must also be increased.
Emphasizing at the end of his statement that Alanya's success is a shared responsibility, ALTİD President Cem Özcan stated, "As ALTİD, we will continue to stand by every kind of work that will protect Alanya's brand value, strengthen sustainable tourism, and increase guest satisfaction. Because a strong Alanya image is not only the common future of the tourism sector, but of everyone living in the city."