Election effect in Bodrum: the domestic market has stopped, the number of foreign tourists has increased
In Bodrum, the number of foreign tourists increased by 14 percent compared to May last year, while the domestic market contracted after the presidential election went to the second round.
The president of the Bodrum Hoteliers Association, Ömer Faruk Dengiz, stated that after the elections on May 28, the domestic and foreign markets will rise and said that they had to increase prices, regardless of the elections, because the inflation rate in the country was high.
Dengiz made the following statements:
“Last year there were elections in 14 countries on 5 continents. Reflections on tourism have always been positive. There will be elections in Greece in the near future.
Apart from the options, we have to make a comment. Inflation rates in our country are not the same as inflation rates in other countries. Since our rates are different, we had to reflect this in the accommodation prices.
Foreign tourists abroad prefer countries like Egypt, considering the affordable price. While we are a bit behind in this period, I think we will do well in the coming months. There have been crises in our country before and despite everything, the tourism sector has survived. We are focused on our business. The elections are above our heads. Our nation will decide accordingly. We believe that we will get positive results from the elections. Our point is not to make money; It is our country’s achievement of a more prosperous environment.”
“WE ARE AT AN IMPORTANT POINT”
Saying that hoteliers should receive incentives, Dengiz said: “The Egyptian government provides a financial incentive to travel agencies that bring foreign tourists. It would be beneficial for us to make such incentives as well. Credit must be provided for hotels to function well in operational terms. If credit support is provided to us prior to the season; We believe that we will finish the season very well”.
Dengiz stated that there are flights in 35 different countries and different destinations at certain time slots at Milas-Bodrum airport, “We are at an important point. Our location is close to Europe, Middle East and Central Asian countries. In this context, I believe that we will maintain our increase in the number of foreign tourists. There is also a significant increase in cruise tourism. Indian weddings are also very popular in our region. In addition, fairs and congresses began to be actively held. Our morale is always very high,” he said.
“NO RESERVE IN THE DOMESTIC MARKET DURING THE ELECTION PROCESS”
Bodrum Hoteliers Association Vice President Alişir Şahin said: “Reservations have stopped due to the second round of elections in the domestic market. There was no reservation in the domestic market during the selection process. The reservations appear to have shifted to June with the school closures,” he said.
Şahin stated that there was a 14 percent increase in the rate of foreign tourists and continued as follows:
“England have been in first place in Bodrum for years. Second, Russia, Germany keep it up. Compared with the previous period, there was a 14 percent increase in the rate of foreign tourists in January and May. We anticipate this increase will continue.
We think it will be a very good season with the introduction of the domestic market in June. Diversity is very important in tourism, it is also important to have diversity in each market. We will also benefit from this diversity. Recently, the Arab world has also started to recognize Bodrum. There are Bodrum demands from countries like Qatar, Iran, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.” (DHA)