I have to say that I agree with the sentiments expressed here wholeheartedly, but I don't think that this is confined to Hisaronu.
I really fear that our region of Turkey is on course to destroy tourism, certainly tourism from the UK. Following the collapse of Aegean Flights / Holidays 4U last year the Land of Lights ran an article about the 'Sky High' prices being charged by the other flight companies who in my opinion were simply profiteering from the misery of families either stranded here or awaiting a hard earned holiday. The fact is that those 'Sky High' prices have remained in place and of course since then, the crisis in Europe has erupted but Greece, Spain and Portugal have moved quickly to protect their valuable trade in tourism. Below is one very simple example :
One week in Spain, all inclusive of Flights, Hotel, Meals and Drinks £194 per person.
The same week a Flight Only to Turkey with a so called 'Budget' carrier £310 per person.
Now, I am not saying that this is the fault of anyone locally here, but I have to ask the question, who is lobbying these airline companies who are a key component in ruining the local economy for many thousands of people?
I think the Turkish Government is also playing a part in the tourism downturn by imposing 'Sky High' tax on many imported goods favoured by the tourists. The price of wine and spirits for example is now far more expensive in Gunlukbasi than in Central London, but again I ask the question, who is lobbying the government to make things more attractive to the tourist.
Locally many traders are trying hard to attract business, unfortunately there are far too many examples of those who think that all English people are millionaires and should pay accordingly. The non food section of the markets used to be a great day out where both the tourist and the trader reached a comfortable compromise, many English people now avoid the non food section of the market because of 'Sky High' prices being demanded by some traders, it is now common to buy first class quality shoes, belts, bags and clothes in top end fashion shops in Fethiye for far less than the prices being asked in the market. I'm afraid the old ' Cheaper than Matalan' chant from many traders should now be changed to ' Twice the price of Matalan' but again, is anybody bothered? If they are, I cannot see it.
I notice that boat trips from the harbour that were 25 lira last year are now 50 lira this year, the well known currency change ' Con Artists ' still ply their trade unchallenged by the authorities with a number of again well known shops settling Turkish Delight, Apple Tea or Spices charging people what can only be described as extortionate prices, but again I have to ask, who is trying to reign in these people who are destroying the good work being done by the majority of honest traders?
Today I notice that the Belidiye have been to all of the restaurants at the Koka Calis end of Calis beach who offer their guests free sun beds, I am told that these free beds will be replaced by beds that will be charged for by the local authority, who on earth makes such a decision as tourist numbers are Plummeting?
I seriously fear for tourism in our region, but things will not improve unless someone tackles the points raised in this thread. The short sighted way from many Turkish business has already been expressed here, tourist numbers down, charge the remainder more !
The question used by many traders to lure unsuspecting tourists into shops only to be ripped off "Excuse me, can I ask you one question, where are all of the English people" has a certain irony to it.