With the onset of the normalization process on June 1 after the coronavirus epidemic, the intercity travel restriction was completely removed in 81 provinces. Those who had the opportunity to lift the travel restriction began to fill the resorts. Turkey and vacationers began to arrive in the world of tourism attraction centers in Muğla’s Bodrum district. The new normal was adapted in hotels, beaches, cafes and restaurants, and was put into operation within the scope of coronavirus measures. Due to the pandemic process, the prices of rooms, beach use, sunbeds and lodges have been raised in some businesses that are served with low capacity. The hotel in Türkbükü, which was high on the agenda in the past, also surprised the prices of this year. In the electronic mail of the invitation sent to the customers, it was stated that a price of 1000 TL per day for 2 sunbeds and 24 thousand TL per month was determined. While it was stated that the room and meal were not included in the prices, it was announced that there was a maximum of 4 chairs, a maximum of 3 sunbeds, 2 beach towels, 2 cold-hot towel service, a fruit plate and a 10 percent discount in food and beverage expenditures. Bodrum residents who heard the prices reacted to high figures.
Yalçın Baysal, one of the Bodrum residents, who said that the prices are extremely high, said, “I cannot believe these prices. Those who go there are certain. The money goes, but we do not go. It is a shame, a pity, a sin.”
‘BEING ACROSSED BY CELEBRITIES OR TOURISTS’
“Those prices are not normal at all. In general, life is not expensive in Bodrum. Some places are very economical but they change according to the preference of people. Going and eating something in Türkbükü is expensive but eating something more economical in the center. “Normally Bodrum is not that expensive. I think these prices are nonsense. They are treated according to celebrities or tourists.”
Süreyya Türkoğlu, who lives in Bodrum in summer and winter, said, “I heard the prices of this business from my daughter. Scary numbers. I don’t go here, I think. It shouldn’t be that way. Businesses are working with half capacity but it shouldn’t be that much. Already these businesses are normally expensive places but I guess “I have been living here for 6 years. There are places that can live for every budget, but I have to choose and look. These places are outside of my borders, I go to places that fit my borders and I am quite happy.”
‘SERVING OVER THE SPECIFIC PROFILE’
Serdar Karcılıoğlu, President of Bodrum Professional Hotel Managers Association, who evaluates the prices set by the hotel, said, “It is not necessary to generalize these prices. This is a package system that a boutique hotel in Türkbükü applies to its guests. It looks like an exorbitant number when looking at the monthly figures. I see that it corresponds to the special service. The numbers applied are normal. The hotel is already our hotel that serves our citizens above a certain profile. They provide a special service. These wages are almost the same as the prices people spend on beaches before the coronavirus. The hotels were asked to cut their capacities by half. People who are not in the field will think they are too high. “
The owner of the business in Bodrum, Selin Özsuer, said, “We have taken all precautions due to the coronavirus. Our capacities have decreased. The number of people, the number of seats, the number of chairs have been reduced. The reservations have started now. Our outsourced guests have not been, unfortunately. People will start to come because they are under quarantine. “We hope. There is some activity. We are working with 25 percent capacity from June for now.”
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