The debate about high prices, which comes up every summer in Bodrum, is seriously affecting small and medium-sized businesses this year. Turkey The portrayal of economic difficulties as unique to Bodrum is causing significant losses. This situation is causing both financial and emotional harm to businesses in the region. Bodrum Neslihan Nazlıoğlu, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Tradesmen, Industrialists, and Businesspeople Association (BESİAD), emphasized this situation. The pricing policies implemented by wholesalers and suppliers are costing businesses in Bodrum 20-30% more than in other regions. "These cost increases are reflected in menus, hotel prices, and the products sold," Nazlıoğlu said. Necessary inspections must be meticulously conducted against businesses that engage in price gouging. This is how Bodrum's tradespeople and businesses can be protected.
The BESİAD President stated that the price increases in Bodrum stem from the policies of wholesalers and suppliers, saying, “Businesses in Bodrum are procuring products at 20-30 percent higher prices than those in other cities. For example, while a 5-liter bottle of sunflower oil costs 198 TL at a chain supermarket in Ordu, the same product sells for 368 TL in Bodrum. Furthermore, transportation costs make supplying products to Bodrum more expensive.” Nazlıoğlu emphasized that such price increases should be monitored by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. He also stated that local governments and chambers of commerce should also conduct meticulous inspections.
Nazlıoğlu, also highlighting Bodrum's importance in the tourism sector, said, "Bodrum is one of Türkiye's most popular tourist destinations worldwide." According to TÜİK data, annual inflation is 57,68%, while ENAG estimates it's 113,08%. Despite all these economic challenges, Bodrum is seeing an increase in the number of foreign tourists. As of May 2024, the number of foreign tourists arriving at Milas-Bodrum Airport and Bodrum Port increased by 10% and 18%, respectively. However, Nazlıoğlu noted that while occupancy rates at 5-star hotels have increased, occupancy rates at 3-star and aparthotels have decreased, indicating that the middle class is being more severely affected by economic hardship.
Nazlıoğlu emphasized that Bodrum isn't limited to the luxury segment, offering a variety of accommodation and holiday options to suit every budget. She stated that high-priced receipts and invoices shared on social media create a misperception about Bodrum. "Businesses charging high prices in Bodrum represent only a small portion of tourism," she said. "Bodrum offers accommodation options to suit everyone's budget. It's crucial to see the true face of Bodrum, which is constantly portrayed as 'expensive' on social media, and to support our local businesses." Nazlıoğlu also implored famous artists and influencers to refrain from sharing posts that could harm Bodrum.
He stated that the tourism season should be diversified to ensure the sustainability of Bodrum's businesses and increase holiday opportunities for the middle class. "The tourism season shouldn't be limited to just three months," he said. "The season can be extended with different tourism activities and events. This will put downward pressure on prices. Both businesses and tourists can enjoy more affordable holidays."
The BESİAD President stated that all sector stakeholders must act together to protect small and medium-sized businesses in Bodrum, saying, “We must work together to support the middle-income group who cannot go on vacation due to loss of income and to ensure that small businesses can compete against large chain supermarkets.”
