The second meeting, where the presidents of Alanya's tourism-related chambers and associations gathered to discuss the problems experienced in the tourism city of Alanya, was held at the Alanya Tourist Operators Association (ALTİD). In the meeting, which was organized to prepare for the 2015 season and to ensure that tourism dynamics can operate in harmony, discussions were held on how solutions could be created regarding issues such as public order, the image of being a city far from the airport, street hawking, environmental and sea pollution, ensuring price equality between locals and foreigners, the necessity of employees using name tags, and the grievances of tradesmen and hoteliers, specifically so that tourists will say, "I will come to Alanya again."
‘WE WILL BE WITHIN A COMMON STANCE’
Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Burhan Sili, Member of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Hotel Association (TÜROFED) and President of the Alanya Tourist Operators Association (ALTİD), stated, “I have no doubt that we can carry Alanya further than it is today, having also eliminated our problems, by being in a common stance and effort with the representatives of our stakeholders—who are currently around this table and whom we expect to increase in the future, and who are in direct contact with our guests arriving in Alanya—while also ensuring contact with the relevant individuals and institutions.”
‘NAME TAG IS MANDATORY’
Stating that the issue of touting has dealt a major blow to Alanya's image, Suat Çavuşoğlu, President of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) Alanya Regional Executive Board (BYK), emphasized that tradespeople in contact with customers must strictly adhere to the rule of wearing identification badges.
‘TOURISTS ARE TRAVELING WITH TOOTHPICKS’
ALTİD Vice President Hızır Bozdoğan, stating that tourists have developed interesting methods to avoid tradesmen who act as touts, also shared an example told to him by a German friend who has been coming to Alanya for many years. Speaking humorously, he noted that his German friend, who realized that no one invited him to restaurants when he walked around with a toothpick in his mouth, began to constantly apply this method while walking, and stated that the tourist, who had become unable to walk down the street due to constant invitations from restaurateurs, was forced to walk around with a toothpick in his mouth.
‘A COMMISSION SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED’
Hüseyin Değirmenci, President of the Alanya Chamber of Pension Owners, Hoteliers, Cafeteria Owners and Tourist Goods Sellers, who stated that he has always expressed the proposal to establish a commission to prevent the issue of street hawking, said, “A commission consisting of the District Governor's Office, the Municipality, the Police, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) would solve this matter.”
‘LIMITS SHOULD BE IMPOSED ON HD’
Emphasizing that efforts must be made to prevent pirate taxis and minibus taxis and that measures must be taken for the 2015 season, Değirmenci also stated that certain services should be removed from the All-Inclusive (AI) system or that restrictions should be imposed on them.
‘RENTS ARE HIGH’
Alanya Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen (ALESO) President Nuri Demir, stating that the most important issue has emerged with public order problems, said, “Tradesmen paying high rents are stepping outside of their line of work and pursuing many negative activities.”
‘THERE SHOULD BE NUMBERS ON TAXI DOORS’
Servet Şakiroğlu, President of the Kleopatra Hoteliers Association, who presented a regulation proposal regarding taxi vehicles, also stated that large numbers should be visible from everywhere on taxi doors and expressed that having telephone information underneath these numbers, where tourists could file complaints, would provide confidence to the tourist.
As a result of these meetings, in which this and many similar issues were expressed and which will continue, a consensus was reached on reporting the discussions held during the meetings and the proposals regarding the resolution of problems, and submitting them to the relevant authorities.