Yiğit Girgin: There is no holistic tourism perspective in Bodrum

Stating that there is no holistic tourism perspective in Bodrum, Yiğit Girgin, Bodrum Representative of the Professional Hotel Managers Association, stated that the contribution of tourists to the economy is more important than the number of tourists.

Yiğit Girgin, Bodrum Representative of the Professional Hotel Managers Association (POYD), made statements about tourism activities and tourist mobility in the region.

Stating that quality and quantity in tourism should be considered in a balanced way, Girgin said that in addition to the number of tourists; the contributions of tourists to the economy should also be taken into consideration.

“There is no holistic tourism perspective in Bodrum”

Expressing that tourism is not a sector that will be shaped only by the number of tourists, Girgin said, “The economic distribution of the visitors, their accommodation and food and beverage expenses, as well as the value they provide to the local economy are also of great importance. In addition, the sustainability of tourism and the protection of the natural and cultural heritage of our region are at least as important a factor that unites as the numbers. We usually produce statements such as ‘records were broken’ depending on the number of tourists. The quality and quantity of this work is actually very important. We had a target of 1 million tourists and this was achieved. However, we do not know how many of this number stayed in Bodrum. Those who are happy with this result are happy, but those who are unhappy do not talk. Because there are also many tourists who go to Didim. We know that 40-50 percent of the tourists who come here go to Didim. Of course, this is not a competition between two destinations. However, the wholesale marketing process should be looked at here. There is no holistic tourism perspective in Bodrum. We should have a tourism policy. I think we need to pull ourselves together and unite a little,” he said.

“It does no one any good to turn the price issue into a tabloid material”

Yiğit Girgin, who noted that the winter season in Bodrum was below expectations, made the following statements:

“Bodrum was deliberately put into a constant perception of being expensive. We should look at the general economic situation of the country rather than Bodrum. An attempt was made to create a perception as if Bodrum businesses were making these figures. We all see from experience that this is not true. All commercial companies in the country are profit-oriented. We respect both those who prefer businesses in terms of service policies and those who do not. A touristic city is known for its natural beauties, history, gastronomy, and walking paths. While we should be highlighting these; making the price issue a tabloid material will not benefit anyone. We are also experiencing a process that progresses below our expectations in the winter season. The reason for this is the economic developments in the country and people being a little more cautious. In addition, businesses unfortunately open the season late and close early. This causes prices to fluctuate up and down during the high season.”

“We have to think 360 degrees about sustainability”

Emphasizing the importance of businesses in Bodrum providing service 12 months of the year, Girgin said, “When we say sustainable tourism, there is a perception that we only need to build environmentally friendly facilities. In fact, we have to think 360 degrees. Businesses can unfortunately think seasonally. In other words, construction is planned for the winter season, and we think about what to do in the summer season and tourism transition seasons. We have to decide what kind of city we should be, will we be tourism-focused? "Or will we find another focal point? Our bed capacity is certain, the number of tourists that need to come here is certain. If we make the right moves at the beginning and end of the season, the beginning and end of the seasons will be extended," he said.