Call for Inspection of Unfair Price Increases in Bodrum

The discussions about high prices that come up every summer in Bodrum are seriously affecting small and medium-sized businesses this year. Stating that the economic difficulties in Turkey are presented as being specific to Bodrum alone are causing major material and moral losses to businesses in the region, Bodrum Tradesmen Industrialists and Business People Association (BESİAD) Board Chair Neslihan Nazlıoğlu emphasized that the pricing policies implemented by wholesalers and suppliers are making businesses in Bodrum pay 20-30% more compared to other regions. Nazlıoğlu said, “These cost increases are reflected in menus, hotel prices and products sold. Necessary inspections should be carried out meticulously against businesses that engage in price opportunism. In this way, tradesmen and businesses in Bodrum can be protected.”

Price Differences in Different Regions Are Challenging for Businesses

The BESİAD President, who stated that the price increases in Bodrum were due to the policies of wholesalers and suppliers, said, “Businesses in Bodrum are supplying products at a 20-30 percent higher price than businesses in other cities. For example, while 5 liters of sunflower oil is 198 TL in a chain market in Ordu, the same product is sold for 368 TL in Bodrum. In addition, transportation costs make it more expensive to supply products to Bodrum.” Nazlıoğlu said that such price increases should be under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and that local governments and chambers of commerce should also carry out the inspection process meticulously.

Despite Economic Difficulties, Bodrum Continues to Shine in Tourism

Nazlıoğlu, who also touched on the importance of Bodrum in the tourism sector, said, “Bodrum is one of the most popular touristic regions in Turkey worldwide. According to TÜİK data, annual inflation is 57,68%, while according to ENAG it is 113,08%. However, despite all these economic difficulties, Bodrum is showing an increase in the number of foreign tourists. As of May 2024, there was a 10% and 18% increase in the number of foreign tourists coming to Milas-Bodrum Airport and Bodrum Port, respectively.” However, Nazlıoğlu, who stated that while occupancy rates in 5-star hotels increased, there was a decrease in 3-star and apart hotels, stated that this showed that the middle class was more affected by economic difficulties.

Bodrum Caters to All Budgets, But Is Misrepresented on Social Media

Emphasizing that Bodrum is not limited to the luxury segment and that there are different accommodation and holiday options that appeal to every budget, Nazlıoğlu said that the high-priced receipts and invoices shared on social media create a false perception about Bodrum. “Businesses that charge high prices in Bodrum only make up a small part of tourism. There is an accommodation option that suits everyone's budget in Bodrum. It is very important to see the real face of Bodrum, which is constantly promoted as 'expensive' on social media, and to support our tradesmen,” said Nazlıoğlu, and asked famous artists and influencers not to share posts that would harm Bodrum.

Let's Protect Tradesmen by Supporting the Middle Class

Nazlıoğlu said that the tourism season should be diversified in order to ensure the sustainability of businesses in Bodrum and to increase the holiday opportunities of the middle class, and said, “The tourism season should not be limited to just 3 months. The season can be extended with different tourism activities and events. This will put downward pressure on prices and both businesses and tourists can have holidays at more affordable prices.”

Stating that all sector stakeholders should act together to protect small and medium-sized businesses in Bodrum, BESİAD President said, “We should work together to support the middle-income group who cannot go on holiday due to loss of income and to ensure that small tradesmen can compete against large chain markets.”