The new season in Alanya will be challenging: the issue is escalating

In Alanya, tourism sector employees are leaving the industry due to low wages, and it is predicted that the next season will be challenging for both hoteliers and local merchants.

Tourism researcher Erol Karabulut highlighted the challenges faced by Turkey's tourism sector and the low wages of employees. Although a record increase in tourism revenues was recorded in 2023, the salaries of sector employees are still not at a satisfactory level.

AVERAGE SALARIES FALL SHORT COMPARED TO TOURISTS' SPENDING

The average monthly salary of employees in the accommodation and food services sector is 18,600 TL, which is low compared to a tourist's weekly expenses.

EXPECTED DECLINE IN FOREIGN CURRENCY INCOME

It is projected that the monthly income, which was around $1,000 in 2012, will decrease by 50% to $580 in 2024. This negatively affects workers' motivation to stay in the industry.

LACK OF QUALIFIED PERSONNEL IMPACTS SERVICE QUALITY

The issue of finding qualified personnel in the tourism sector is growing, leading to a decline in service quality. It is noted that employees are starting to leave the industry due to low wages and uncertainty about the future.