Turkish Riviera tourism faces infrastructure, pollution, and hotel delays

The Turkish Riviera is facing several logistical and environmental challenges affecting the tourism sector. A new 122-kilometer highway is under construction to connect Antalya and Alanya, aiming to reduce travel times from 2.5 hours to approximately 36 minutes once completed, which is expected within three years.

However, environmental concerns are rising due to significant plastic and microplastic pollution along the coast. Areas such as Çıralı, Kemer, and the Konyaaltı beach in Antalya have reported heavy accumulations of waste, impacting both the tourist experience and local ecosystems, including habitats for loggerhead sea turtles.

Additionally, operational issues have emerged regarding new accommodations. The Hotel Raxeria in Manavgat has faced significant opening delays, remaining a construction site well past its scheduled launch dates, leading several tour operators to halt bookings for the property.