Bodrum’s Tourism Faces Setback Amid Earthquake Fears
bodrum
Hotel bookings in Bodrum, a prime tourist destination on Turkey’s Aegean coast, have seen a decline as concerns over earthquakes and potential tsunamis unsettle travelers.
Impact of Santorini Quakes on Bodrum’s Tourism
A recent series of earthquakes on the Greek island of Santorini has triggered a wave of tourist departures, casting a shadow over nearby destinations, including Bodrum. The Bodrum Hoteliers Association reports a drop in early-season reservations compared to last year, with occupancy rates falling short of the typical 80% benchmark. However, no precise figures have been disclosed. Bodrum attracts around five million visitors annually.
The southern Aegean basin has experienced over 1,000 tremors since late January, with some reaching magnitudes of 5.3 on the Richter scale. Despite Santorini being more than 150 kilometers from Turkey’s mainland, many of these tremors have been felt along the Turkish Riviera, including Bodrum.
Concerns Weigh on Bookings and Promotions
“The tremors are negatively affecting tourism on both the Greek and Turkish sides of the Aegean,” said Yiğit Girgin, Bodrum representative of the Professional Hotel Managers Association, in an interview with AGBI. “Travelers prioritize safety alongside comfort, and such concerns are discouraging potential visitors.”
Amid growing uncertainty, the Bodrum Hoteliers Association has temporarily halted its marketing and promotional efforts, according to its president, Omer Dengiz. This comes at a critical time when pre-season bookings from European markets traditionally peak.
Authorities Take Precautionary Measures
Turkish officials are taking the seismic risk seriously. Emergency teams have been deployed to the Aegean region, and tsunami warning sirens have been installed in Bodrum and other coastal areas as precautionary measures.
Bodrum, located near the Greek islands of Kos and Rhodes, remains a major travel hotspot. However, unless concerns over seismic activity subside, the region’s tourism sector could face ongoing challenges in the months ahead.
