Alanya Shopkeepers Left Idle: No Visitors, No Customers

Tourism Decline in Alanya: Shopkeepers Idle, Streets Empty

In Alanya, one of Turkey’s top holiday destinations, this year has seen a significant downturn in tourism. The streets are quiet, and shopkeepers are filled with hopelessness. Despite being mid-season, bazaars and shopping areas remain calm. Merchants complain that the expected activity hasn't materialized, and tourists only window-shop without buying anything.

"We Should Treat This Year as a Year of Self-Reflection"

Süleyman Türköz, a sales assistant at a boutique in Alanya, commented on the season:

“We can’t say anything positive about this tourism season. There's been a serious decline. We should treat this year as a ‘year of self-criticism.’ As tourism professionals, we must learn from this season. Expectations have not been met. The high prices, dishonest shopkeepers, and excessive price hikes are to blame. We all make our living from tourism. We need to reflect on ourselves.”

"Call to the Mayor: Promote Alanya"

Another shopkeeper, Mr. Ahmet, described the situation:

“Tourism is going terribly. Streets and shops are empty. Shopkeepers are suffering. I urge the mayor to promote Alanya. People aren't earning money, business is dead. Even the Friday Market is empty—no tourists. Compared to last year, it's more than a 50% drop. Because there’s no business, vendors jump at customers. The harbor, bazaars, and markets are deserted. Many shops are currently closed. Tourists just look and leave. We're literally catching flies here.”

"How Will These Rents Be Paid?"

İsmail Yıldırım, who has been in business for 36 years, said:

“I’ve been in tourism for nearly 36 years, but we haven’t seen a season this tough in a long time. Tourist numbers are down, and naturally, business is struggling. Payments are difficult. How are we supposed to pay these rents, these debts? It’s hard to imagine the challenges we’ll face this winter.”

He also pointed out that recent shop closures are related to pressure from brand enforcement lawyers:

“These closures are the result of pressure from lawyers representing brands. Shopkeepers are shutting down to draw attention to this issue. If we do what these lawyers demand—remove all brand-name products—there won’t be any tourism trade left at all,” he said.