Despite everything

[usedbustickets]

Despite everything that is happening across Turkey, and locally with the worst set of road and path repairs/upgrades ever, Mrs Tickets and myself believe that there are more tourists in town this year than last year, and that is also true of what we have seen in Ovacik and Hissy.  Are our estimates of tourist numbers wrong or could this be the welcome start of a good year for the area?

[Ray1951]

I had an e-mail from a friend who has a restaurant business in Calis.  She has always enjoyed being busy especially as
she does food aimed at the many UK people who visit Calis.  She said that business is 'slower' now than it was this time last year.
Hopefully things will pick up for everyone. The cost of flights, hotels, package holidays and the increase in the cost of living in the UK
has hit tourism badly in recent years.

[Toky]

I thought the opposite UBT. We were almost a month later than usual starting our holiday, and I'd seen it busier in previous years much earlier on in May/late April.
 

[desmartinson]

Don't know where you have been to see that UBT(Peter), I and other people on our complex have found it very quiet with not many people about at all. there have been a few posts on here too from people. I know Rimms put one on when he commented on how the prom was nearly empty one afternoon. and Jacqui said the restaurant next to georges on the front actually closed up approx. 10.30-11.00pm one night when she was down there as no one was about. Fethiye seems a bit busier but then they do have something going on most nights as our Nichola,s pictures show, still not a lot of tourists though, mainly Turkish people.

[nichola]

According to a vegetable wholesaler yesterday demand for fruit and veg is down by 30% compared to this time last year.

[usedbustickets]

My view on tourist numbers is built on going to the beach afternoon and evening most days, looking at the number of people on the beach, 'clocking' the people  as they go up and down the prom (whilst partaking in a well earned beer), as well as looking at numbers in restaurants and our take on it is that there are more about, particularly Brits.

Also the area around Cafe Pazar looks busy too, particularly the new Zayra Pida restaurant.

So not a precise science to counting numbers, but a good indicative assessment!!

Off to the beach later this afternoon and evening to carry out further people surveying, whilst partaking in some fish n chips and perhaps a beer.  I will report back if there has been change..... watch this space

[Partygirl]

We thought as of Saturday the numbers had picked up. Was looking a lot busier.
When we were Dalaman airport today it was heaving. we had to be bused to our Easyjet plane that was
over at the old terminal. All the stands were full. I have never seen the airport that busy. Was surprised.

[stoop]

Well - we were at a wedding on Saturday and Turkey seems to be the place to go this year. Two couples on our table are flying out next week ( plus us). The Groom's father and mother fly out Saturday and the dads brother is already in Hisaronu.

Totally unscientific but I made it 100% of our breakfast table going to Turkey this summer  

[Liz 101]

I took someone to Dalaman on Friday evening & was suprised to see so many people queuing to get into the terminal. 2 queues, both right across the forecourt area. Maybe it was a load of "left turners" & AI bods, as I was under the impression that Calis was much quieter this year

[cobbydalers]

We have friends at their apartment in Tasyaka they usually spend their evenings in Hisaronu  but this year find the bars music overpoweringly loud and the place lacking its usual atmosphere. They are now spending their time and money in Calis they think its" buzzing " without the headache giving music. They are a couple in their 70,s, their daughter in her 40,s and grand daughters in their 20,s and Calis suits them all.