"We are experiencing the worst of the last 34 years in Alanya."

Alanya's Jeep Safari Industry Faces Worst Start in 34 Years

Jeep safari tours—one of Alanya's most thrilling and popular tourist attractions—have experienced a dramatic decline this season, marking the worst start in 34 years. Mehmet Nedanlı, owner of Race Tour and a long-time industry figure, warned that business is nearly at a standstill and expressed growing concerns over safety.

“This is the worst season start we’ve had since 1991,” Nedanlı said, highlighting the severity of the downturn. Falling demand, rising operational costs, and, most importantly, recent tragic accidents have cast serious doubts over the future of the sector. Calls are growing louder for enhanced safety measures and stricter inspections.

Jeep safari tours, usually a top pick among domestic and foreign tourists during the summer season, are now far below expectations. These adrenaline-filled tours, offering panoramic views of the Taurus Mountains, are now struggling due to both economic difficulties and mounting safety concerns.

NEDANLI: "We Haven’t Seen It This Bad in 34 Years"

Speaking candidly about the state of the industry, Mehmet Nedanlı said:

“I’ve been in this business since 1991, and honestly, I’ve never seen such a poor start to a season. In previous years, we would run tours with 15 to 20 vehicles a day; now, it’s down to 3 to 5. On some days, we don’t run any tours at all.”

He emphasized that this grim picture isn't limited to the jeep safari sector alone—it reflects the broader downturn in Alanya's tourism overall.

GROWING SAFETY CONCERNS: Inexperienced Drivers and Accidents Raise Alarms

Beyond economic challenges, safety has become one of the most pressing issues in the jeep safari industry. Nedanlı pointed to recent unfortunate incidents and called for urgent action:

“First and foremost, we need to employ experienced and well-trained drivers. Unfortunately, this is sometimes overlooked. Drivers must receive regular training, and vehicle maintenance must be thorough and timely.”

He also urged local authorities—including the municipality, gendarmerie, and tourism directorate—to bring all jeep safari operators together to establish stricter regulations. He called for harsher penalties for those violating safety standards and more effective inspections.

Nedanlı concluded by stating that jeep safari safety is crucial not only for the wellbeing of tourists but also for the sustainability of the entire sector.