The all-inclusive system considered one of the biggest issues with Turkish tourism by many sector representatives is continuing to be an issue of debate within the turkish tourism sector

Most of the time, hoteliers view the system as a necessity coming out of the competition in the sector and are obliged to accept all the demands of operators. The same system is also heavily criticised by local shop owners. The system which is one of the fastest growing trends of mass tourism in recent years was first put into practice in five-star hotels and holiday villages.

However, today three-star hotels and even the ones without stars have adopted this system to attract customers. This situation helps increase the number of customers but facilities are forced to sacrifice quality to reduce the costs. Now at this point experts draw our attention to the vicious cycle Turkish tourism is drawn into.

While almost all facilities in Antalya and Bodrum have adopted the all-inclusive system, several accommodation facilities in Marmaris, which resembles a huge holiday village, are insistently resisting the system. They rather prefer half-board; that is, they include breakfast and eveningdinner in the price. They help increase their revenue with extra food and beverage sales and preserve the quality of their service.

Some facilities that remain within the half-board system and can survive with profitable high turnout in Marmaris are as follows: Elegance Hotel (Five Stars), Maritim Hotel Grand Azur (Five Stars), Poseidon Hotel (Four Stars), Sun Rise Hotel (Four Stars), Marbella Hotel (Four Stars), Royal Maris Hotel (Four Stars), Fantasia Hotel (Four Stars) and Flamingo Hotel (Three Stars).

Sector representatives in Marmaris point out that the all-inclusive system should be regulated within certain rules. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism should take action about the issue and local authorities should have the right to control the system within the framework of these rules.

Marmaris is blessed with natural beauty, much of which is due to the outstanding marine environment surrounding Marmaris.

Day boat trips from the Marmaris Harbour are excellent with some fantastic islands to visit. In particular Sehir Adasi (Cedar Island) is one island which should be visited. Cedar Island is often referred to as Cleopetra Island as this is where Cleopatra enjoyed a number of illicit encounters with Mark Antony (the famed Roman General) – with rumours having it that Mark Antony imported sand to the island to make it more beautiful for her. Certainly one thing to explore there as well as the Roman ruins at the old town of Cedar.

Further routes along the Bozburun Peninsula also come highly recommended. The Peninsula itself is a boating haven, so exploring this in a water vessel really is the only way to see this whether this be Selimiye, Orhaniye or Hisarönu.