Beach rentals prohibited in Antalya, according to consumer advocate's declaration
In the popular coastal destination of Antalya, Turkey, a contentious issue has arisen concerning the commercialisation of beachfronts. Businesses operating along the shoreline are accused of operating at a level that resembles occupation, by fencing off beachfronts and charging visitors for access.
The head of the Antalya branch of the Consumer Union, Neşet Gündüz, has criticised municipalities and local administrations for failing to oversee these businesses that fence off beachfronts and charge visitors for entry, sunbeds, umbrellas, and even for the right to bring their own food and drink.
Holidaymakers and residents have expressed frustration over these "paid beach" practices enforced by hotels and private operators. Neşet Gündüz has asserted that beaches in Antalya are open to everyone under the constitution and should remain accessible to the public. He further emphasized that coasts belong to the people and cannot be rented out.
The Consumer Union leader also warned that rules invented by operators or local governments that restrict citizens, such as banning outside food and drinks, have no legal basis. He stressed that only courts have the authority to impose bans or fines, not private companies or municipalities.
If consumers are charged for services they do not use, they have the right to challenge these fees at the Consumer Arbitration Board and potentially reclaim the money.
The controversy over paid beaches in Turkey echoes similar disputes in Greece, where a "towel movement" emerged to reclaim public space on privatized beaches. The "towel movement" has also gained traction in popular beach destinations in Turkey, including Datça, Alaçatı, and Ayvalık.
However, there is no specific information available on how many municipalities in the southwestern Turkish province of Antalya oversee and control businesses implementing the "beach-pay-to-enter" practice, nor on what measures authorities have taken to prevent it.
Municipalities in Antalya are also accused of collecting "occupation fees" by leasing coastal areas to private businesses, a practice criticized by Neşet Gündüz as unlawful. The "paid beach" issue remains a hot topic of discussion among locals and visitors, with calls for greater transparency and adherence to the public's right to access the beaches.
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