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One of Turkey’s most popular tourism hot spots, this district in the city of Mugla has started to attract visitors mainly from Denmark, England, the Netherlands and Russia. Kumbahce and Pasatarlas? stand among the most popular beaches in town, while the Bodrum Castle and Underwater Archaeology Museum are the most-visited historic places. But still, the most popular activity is the blue cruises. Not only the tourists relish the good weather, but also local residents who are seen fishing in front of the Bodrum Castle.
Meanwhile, the Cumhuriyet Caddesi, also informally known as “Barlar Sokag,” where many pubs and bars are located, is still calm despite the fact that bars are starting to be opened. The owners of bars hope business will improve by June.
Speaking to the Anatolia news agency, the head of the Turkish Association of Travel Agents, or TURSAB, Sevinc Gokbel affirmed that the tourism season has started in Bodrum. “The Bodrum center is getting active these days, this is a sign that the tourism season has started,” said Gokbel, adding that they were satisfied with the numbers so far, and hopeful about the rest of the season, despite the bitter effects of the global economic crisis. “There is a 15 to 20 percent of increase especially in English tourists,” said the chairperson.
It was previously suggested by international travel agents that Turkey’s heavy reaction toward Israel during the deadly attacks in Gaza could harm Israelis visiting Turkey, and Gokbel said this has proven true so far. “There is a decrease of the Israeli market,” she said. “The expected Israeli sales for the months of April and May have not been met yet. The reservation numbers and information gathered show some signals of that.”
But still, Turkey has serious reason to hope it will do better this summer, as its prices are more affordable than its Mediterranean rivals. “Our prices are more affordable, so we are chosen more this year,” she said. “For example, Greece expects a 20 to 30 percent of decrease in total tourists this year, and so do Italy and Spain.” However, Gokbel warns about a danger that may harm this way up. “But we need to evaluate the situation very well,” she said. “We should not increase prices after seeing the tourists coming. If we can keep the tourists coming here, we will have an advantage next year as well. “Right now, tourism is the only sector bringing income to the country,” she said.
As Turkey gears up for the tourism race, its hotels are being hailed for their top quality, according to a survey by a tour management company HolidayCheck. In Web survey 39 Turkish hotels were named among the best 99 hotels in the world for 2008. HolidayCheck CEO George Zingler said this is an important achievement for the Turkish hotels. “Our 220,000 customers visited 200 countries and went to 30,000 hotels last year,” said Zingler. “So the fact that there were 39 Turkish hotels in the top 99 shows us how much they are satisfied with Turkish hotels.”
Turkish-European Business Council Chairman Huseyin Baraner agreed this is a sign of the Turkish tourism sector’s level of success. “Turkish tourism is 30 years ahead of Turkey,” said Baraner. “Tourism is not a hobby for Turkey, but one of its main business.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
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