Tourists in Antalya were warned about “problem areas” after many complaints, and almost all the most popular places of the resort became such zones. The problem is created by intrusive traders who resort to natural fraud and threats in dealing with tourists.
According to local media, tourists who decide to leave their hotels regret it themselves. In Antalya, they are “pestered at every turn”, they face “deception and harassment” on the streets. Kaleichi, Kazima Ozalpa Street and Jumhuriyet Square were named among the districts of Antalya that are “spoiled” by “aggressive” street vendors.
The Turks write that all these places are “invaded” by crowds of fake perfumers, beggars and aggressive street vendors, and the situation has escalated so much that it even forced some guides to change their routes to avoid “problem areas.” All these crowds are “trying to extort money from visitors” using extremely unpleasant intrusive tactics, including threats and outright fraud.
Local authorities have received “many complaints.” Tourists report beggars surrounding tourist groups and demanding money, and touts literally pushing vacationers into restaurants, “blocking” tourists and ice cream sellers. Sellers of fake perfumes have distinguished themselves by the way they put boxes in people’s bags and then force them to pay. Tourists trying to get rid of intrusive traders “are subjected to harassment and verbal abuse.”
As a result, this problem “undermines the reputation of the city and damages tourism, local authorities assure and try to fight. Jan Zoroglu, Director of Tourism of Antalya, assured that steps are being taken to solve this problem. However, local merchants and professional associations accused the measures taken of inadequacy.
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