Challenges and Opportunities
Importance of Rafting in Turkish Tourism
Rafting holds a significant place in Turkish tourism, providing visitors with a unique and original experience. This adventure adds a vibrant touch to Turkey’s destination appeal, increasing its overall value. Particularly attractive to thrill-seekers, rafting draws the attention of adventurous tourists visiting Turkey for the first time. Rivers like the Coruh River, known for its challenging rapids, attract adventure enthusiasts, contributing to Turkey’s position in the market.
Challenges Facing Rafting in Turkey
Despite its appeal, rafting in Turkey faces challenges, mainly due to dam construction threatening important rafting routes. Additionally, the rise of illegal tours poses a serious threat to the industry. Unfair competition from these unauthorized tours puts expert travel agencies in a difficult position, impacting service quality and diminishing the income potential from rafting.
Illegal Tours and Their Impact
Illegal tours, often chosen unwittingly by tourists, contribute to the decline of service standards and the overall rafting experience. Recep Ecer A Natural Wonder Gokgol Cave, owner of Trans Nature, emphasizes the danger of these unregulated tours, stating that inexperienced guides can lead to disastrous outcomes for participants. The prevalence of such tours poses a significant challenge to the rafting industry’s growth.
Management of Rafting Centers
Recep Koşan, Director of National Parks in the Antalya Region, sheds light on the management of Koprulu Canyon, stating that the current authority does not extend to the region. Unauthorized constructions catering to rafters pose a significant problem, prompting legal procedures against these structures. The absence of clear regulations on entry fees into the National Park raises concerns among rafting operators who find it challenging to pass on these additional costs to customers Guided Tours Istanbul.
Urgent Need for Solutions
Deniz Yaşar, the rafting operations authority at Medraft, underscores the urgency of addressing the issue of illegal tours. Travel agencies, struggling with minimum profit margins due to intense competition, express concerns about the feasibility of passing on additional costs to customers. The industry collectively calls for effective solutions to combat illegal tours and ensure the sustainable growth of rafting tourism in Turkey.
