While Luxury Hotels Remain Empty, Caravan Tourism Becomes a Nightmare

The increase in the use of caravans for day trips in Antalya’s world-famous beach and tourism areas has caused an uproar among industry representatives.

In Antalya, the rise in the use of caravans for day trips in globally renowned beach and tourism areas has led to protests from industry representatives. Tourism professionals point out that despite the drop in occupancy rates of luxury hotels on the Konyaaltı and Lara beaches, caravans have "occupied" public spaces and caused environmental pollution, urging local authorities to take urgent action.

"Hotels are suffering, while caravans are staying for free" "Our five-star hotels are struggling with a 40% occupancy rate, while dozens of caravans are staying for free on the beaches. This is causing unfair competition in the sector and infrastructure problems," said representatives from the hotel industry.

Caravan owners leave toilet, shower, and garbage waste on the beaches, increasing the workload of municipal services, while local residents express dissatisfaction: "Noise and visual pollution damage the tourist image."

Municipality and Governorship Seeking a Solution The Antalya Metropolitan Municipality announced that it has increased inspections in areas with a high concentration of caravans, but due to legal loopholes, finding a permanent solution is difficult. The governorship stated, "We are in discussions with the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Tourism about new legislation to regulate caravan tourism."

Caravan Enthusiasts Respond: "We Are Tourists Too" Caravan associations responded to the criticism, stating, "We also pay for accommodation. If municipalities create special caravan parking areas, the problem will be solved."