The Board of Directors members of the Alanya Tourist Hoteliers Association (ALTİD) continued their consultation meetings with the hoteliers of the Kargıcak, Mahmutlar, and Kestel regions. The meeting was attended by ALTİD President and Turkish Hotel Association (TÜROFED) Board Member Burhan Sili, Mahmutlar Hoteliers Association (MODER) President Ekrem Er, Kargıcak Hoteliers Association President Muzaffer Barcın, as well as the board members of these associations and representatives of the member hotels in the regions.
“THE DECLINE IN THE RUSSIAN MARKET WILL SLOW DOWN”
Speaking at the meeting, ALTİD President Sili stated that due to the economic difficulties experienced in the Russian market, a 30 percent decrease was recorded in the number of tourists arriving in Antalya from this country in the first five months compared to the previous year, and it is predicted that this decrease will recede to the 20 percent level by the end of the season. Sili also emphasized that the number of overnight stays has also declined, in addition to the number of people.
“ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN IN LINE WITH MUTUAL INTERESTS”
Emphasizing that action must be taken without attempting to secure personal and short-term interests in such a crisis environment, Sili stated that tourism professionals must unite, and that it is unacceptable to act with the mentality of "it will improve on the way" in a sector that generates approximately 38 billion dollars in revenue nationwide and creates a significant amount of employment.
“INSTITUTIONS MUST WORK IN HARMONY”
Emphasizing that tourism professionals have done a good job despite all kinds of difficulties in a country where treatment and environmental issues are still being discussed after 55 years, including in the regions where tourism first began, Sili stated that tourism and environmental policies must be handled with seriousness and that it is essential for institutions to work in harmony.
“FACILITIES MUST BE AT LEAST AT A 1-STAR STANDARD”
Sili, stating that they met with Alanya Mayor Adem Murat Yücel regarding the improvement of facility and service standards, said, “We are working so that municipality-certified facilities reach at least a 1-star Ministry-certified facility and service standard.”
“STRENGTH IN UNITY IS ESSENTIAL”
MODER President Ekrem Er, pointing out that problems in tourism cannot be overcome by acting individually, also emphasized that unity of strength is essential. Er stated, “As tourism professionals, let us put our shoulders to the wheel. We can find the truth by expressing our ideas. We must attend all the meetings of non-governmental organizations such as ALTİD and regional associations. If we do not unite our strength as industry representatives, we cannot seek our rights and express ourselves.”