As the 2026 summer season drew to a close in Didim, tourism activity fell short of expectations. While domestic tourists were more cautious with their spending, it was emphasized that the district’s tourism potential should be spread throughout the year and that foreign tourist markets should be diversified.

Melih Koyuncu, President of the Didim Tourism Association, stated that the 2026 season was a period where economic conditions were felt more distinctly compared to the previous year. He noted that tourism activity continued in the district, but the sector’s expectations were not fully met.

Koyuncu stated that domestic tourists continue to dominate the tourism sector in Didim this season, adding that visitors are being more cautious about their vacation duration and spending.

He noted that domestic guests are exhibiting a more controlled approach to their spending during their holidays, and emphasized the impact of economic conditions on the tourism sector should not be evaluated solely based on the number of visitors.

Koyuncu stated that Didim has significant potential in terms of foreign tourism, but added that the district’s existing potential has not yet been fully utilized. He stated that international promotional efforts need to be strengthened and that attracting tourists directly from different countries is important for the development of tourism in Didim.

He said that one of the important issues facing Didim tourism is that the season should not be limited only to the summer months, and that the district’s different tourism assets could be utilized more effectively.

It was stated that by highlighting Didim’s history, culture, gastronomy, nature, and alternative tourism opportunities, the tourism season could be extended throughout the year, and that this requires joint action from sector representatives, local administrations, public institutions, and civil society organizations.

Stating that expectations for the 2027 tourism season are positive, Koyuncu said that the goal should not be limited only to increasing the number of tourists coming to the district, but improving service quality is also important, and the need for planned and sustainable destination management.

Business owners’ perspective

While some businesses experienced a quieter season compared to previous years, others did not achieve the expected profit despite customer activity. The late start and early end of the season, shortcomings on Altınkum beach, rising prices, and the need to attract more foreign tourists to the district were highlighted as key factors.

Individual evaluations revealed that the season varied from business to business, with a noticeable decrease in tourist activity compared to previous years. They said that despite Didim’s tourism potential, the district, and especially the coastal area, has not developed sufficiently, and emphasized the need to diversify tourism and attract more foreign tourists.

Serdar Yavaş, a kokoreç (lamb intestine) master operating in Altınkum, stated that the season fell short of expectations. “The season started late and ended early, which limited activity for businesses.”

Yavaş, who stated that he had visited Didim in previous years, said that he believed the district had not experienced sufficient development over the years. He specifically mentioned the need for improvements in the coastal area, adding that making the beach areas in Altınkum more functional could contribute to tourism.

Watch and eyewear seller Raşit Timur, however, assessed the season somewhat differently. While saying that the season was generally good for him, Timur noted that the number of tourists was lower compared to last year.

Timur emphasized that the relationship between shopkeepers and customers is also important in tourism, stating that customer satisfaction and keeping prices reasonable are effective in encouraging tourists to choose the region again.

One of the key topics highlighted in the Altınkum tradespeople’s season assessment was port and cruise tourism. Clothing store owner Can Polat stated that building a port in Altınkum could increase tourism activity in the region. Polat, particularly highlighting the tourist influx generated by cruise ships in Kuşadası, suggested that a similar potential could be explored for Didim.

Polat continued that rising rents and general price levels in the region are making things difficult for both shopkeepers and local customers, and that local customers are having trouble shopping due to the increased prices. \

While Altınkum shopkeepers had differing opinions in their end-of-season assessments, a common expectation stood out: Didim’s tourism potential needs to be further utilized.

Ferman Ali Arpacık, who operates tour boats in Didim, said that the season did not meet their expectations. He noted a decline compared to last year, stating that economic conditions affected the holiday choices of both domestic and foreign tourists.