Tourism has picked up in the Aegean Region. New projects and initiatives are being developed in Aydın and Kuşadası. Ferry services, sea bus services, and free sunbeds are attracting the attention of tourists.
During the summer months, life in the Aegean region thrives significantly more compared to other seasons. With its sea, beaches, natural beauty, and archaeological richness, it is a magnet for both local and foreign tourists. That's why I focus my efforts on this region to keep you informed about new projects and municipal initiatives aimed at tourism. This week, my first stop was Aydın.
With the start of the tourism season, there's a significant influx into the Aegean region. Especially due to visa-on-arrival arrangements, thousands of Turkish tourists travel to the Greek islands during the 9-day Eid al-Adha holiday. Let's see what the mayors in the Aegean are planning for this summer season. I spoke with the mayors about their projects and measures for the summer season. Aydın, where I started, is one of the richest regions in Turkey in terms of tourism. Aydın Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu, also known as 'Topuklu Efe,' shared two upcoming projects with Milliyet Newspaper. The first and most important project is the launch of regular ferry services from Kuşadası to the Greek island of Patmos (Batnaz Island, known as the 'Jerusalem of the Aegean' and considered a sacred island). This initiative by Aydın Metropolitan Municipality will open up new tourism routes for Kuşadası, one of our country's most important tourism centers. The second route involves sea bus services planned between Didim, Turgutreis, and Bodrum. These sea bus services will offer fast and comfortable transportation for both locals and foreign tourists traveling between Didim, Turgutreis, and Bodrum. This aims not only to increase tourism activity in the region but also to provide an alternative to the traffic congestion on highways during the summer months. We will see how the demand will be for these two ferry projects. Let's wait and see together...
As soon as I left Aydın Metropolitan Municipality, I headed straight to the center of Efeler Municipality. I also asked President Anıl Yetişkin, who once served as the Bar Association president in Aydın, about their new projects for the upcoming term. President Yetişkin said, 'We are the central municipality and we already fulfill our primary duties. Right now, what I want most is to make our district a more renowned city and encourage travelers on the highway to visit and explore our district.'
City connecting continents
My adventure in Aydın continues. Visiting Aydın without stopping by Kuşadası would be incomplete. Kuşadası is a city connecting continents, known for its cruise ships – floating hotels. Upon entering the city, I immediately called Mayor Ömer Günel of Kuşadası. As usual, he was walking the streets of the city, assessing what improvements are needed or what can be done. I joined him on his rounds. Mayor Günel mentioned a series of measures related to tourism. He emphasized their utmost concern for ensuring that both local and foreign tourists visiting the city do not encounter any issues, especially by holding discussions with all the local businesses. I will provide more details about Mayor Günel's projects in the coming days...
Free umbrellas and sunbeds
After a brief conversation with President Yetişkin, I set off for Didim. Didim truly boasts some of Turkey's most beautiful beaches. I inquired about the condition of the beaches from Mayor Hatice Gençay. Mayor Gençay informed me, 'We do not tolerate any encroachments on our beaches. Additionally, this year we have made umbrellas and sunbeds free for our people on the beaches so that they can have a better season. The public has been very pleased with this initiative.' I have visited Didim many times in the past, and during this visit, it was immediately noticeable how much the town has benefited from a woman's touch. I wholeheartedly congratulate Mayor Hatice for her efforts.