During the 2025 budget discussions of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), Metin Ergun, Muğla MP from the Good Party, spoke about the issues facing Muğla’s tourism.
The deputy shared following issues in his speech:
Rant and Exploitation Policies
Muğla is one of the country’s most important tourism centers, attracting attention with its unique natural beauty, historical heritage, and geographical location. However, it has been stated that these features have not been adequately preserved, and Muğla is facing serious threats. The primary threat is exploitation and land-grabbing policies, which are reportedly encouraged and approved by the government. One example highlighted is Pina Peninsula, where land that was supposed to be “reforested” in 2007 was instead used for the construction of four hotels.
Problems at Beaches and Coasts
It has been pointed out that, although the quality of services at Muğla’s beaches is low, the entrance fees are excessively high, making it difficult for local residents to even use these areas. Additionally, it was emphasized that the coastlines are being occupied through MUÇEV, and that measures should be taken to prevent developments that threaten the ecosystem.
Infrastructure Crisis and Water Shortages
Muğla is facing a major infrastructure crisis, and these problems have exceeded the financial capacity of local governments. The impact of infrastructure deficiencies on tourism is significant, with water shortages during the tourism season causing major disruptions. The excessive use of water resources and inadequate waste management are contributing to worsening water scarcity.
Traffic Issues and Pollution in Fethiye Bay
Traffic problems in Muğla arise from poor and inadequate roads. Furthermore, the pollution in Fethiye Bay, which has persisted for years, continues due to waste from marine vessels and domestic sewage. These issues are reducing the quality of life for both locals and tourists.
All-Inclusive System and Its Economic Impact
One of the key structural problems in Muğla’s tourism is the prevalence of the “all-inclusive” hotel system. This model has led to a shift in the tourist profile, with more low-spending visitors, which in turn reduces the economic contribution to the local economy. Moreover, the seasonal tourism model has made Muğla’s economy more fragile, and there is a need to develop alternative tourism models to address this.
Rising Hotel Costs and Exchange Rates
In recent years, rising exchange rates and hotel costs have made Turkish tourism more expensive. As a result, even local tourists are turning to alternative destinations like Greece. It was stressed that urgent steps need to be taken in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance to address these rising costs in the tourism sector.
Tax Reductions and Fund Creation
It was suggested that the corporate tax rate on tourism businesses should be reduced from 25% to 20%, similar to businesses engaged in goods exports. Additionally, the creation of a fund to transfer accommodation taxes from tourism businesses to local governments was seen as an essential step.
Need for Skilled Labor
The growing demand for skilled workers in Muğla’s tourism sector was highlighted. It was emphasized that businesses need to be supported in providing accommodation and other assistance for their employees.
In summary, it was stressed that urgent infrastructure projects need edto be developed to ensure the sustainability of Muğla’s tourism potential and the protection of its ecosystem. The exploitation and land-grabbing policies must be stopped, tourism practices should be restructured, and economic policies must be improved to address the challenges facing the region.
