Responsible tourism in Turkey

Turkey occupies a geographically and culturally precarious position straddling East and West, bordered by troubled nations whose refugees have poured across its borders. It has a strong secular tradition, but a growth in Islamic populism threatens this and its track record on human rights is not impressive, with a recent crackdown on free speech just one way in which the Turkish government imposes control over its people.

In terms of responsible tourism in Turkey, coastal over development is a bugbear. Visitors to Turkey may be powerless to influence its government's authoritarian stance, but they can help push tourism towards a better path by choosing sustainable and socially responsible accommodation, tour operators and activities.

Coastal blight

Turkey has not been immune to the fast-buck promise of high-rise, low-ethic resorts which, while offering cheap sunshine and sea, discourage experiencing Turkey beyond a Westernised and sanitised vision. Particular culprits include Marmaris and Kusadesi, which have become seaside concrete bunkers lacking in any great Turkish character – and which become moribund outside the main summer season, making it difficult for a significant number of local people to earn a decent year-round income. Over-development can also cause damage to fragile ocean eco-systems via such things as pollution or damage caused by tourist pleasure boats. While in principle, coastal tourism can be a huge boon for local economies, responsible tourism guidelines can ensure long-term benefit for both local communities and the environment and avoid the risk of tourism becoming a desperate and ultimately damaging high-season money-grabbing exercise.

Some all-inclusive resorts get particular black marks for failing to spread benefits into the wider community. Research suggests that tourists at these places spend less than 10 percent of their money outside the resort in permanent outlets (shops or restaurants). Initiatives are finally in place to improve matters by creating more jobs for local residents and also boosting sales of produce from local farmers to resort hotels. Support them.

What you can do
Avoid all-inclusive vacations generally and spread your wings beyond mass market resorts like Bodrum, Marmaris and Kusadasi. Get out and spend money in permanent local shops and restaurants, plus local markets (not ones set up inside resorts) – and buy local products whenever you can. Try to book tours owned and run by locals. Choose accommodation likely to give more back to local communities such as B&Bs, campsites or gulets, rather than mass-market hotels. Choose places to stay and eat that work with The Travel Foundation to support initiatives to boost sales of local food to the tourism industry.

Don't buy souvenirs or jewellery featuring coral or seashells During Ramazan (known as Ramadan elsewhere) show empathy with fasting Muslims and do not eat, drink or smoke outdoors in public between sunrise and sunset. Instead, eat indoors in restaurants or in private. Muslim restaurant and cafe staff, who may be fasting themselves, will understand if you are non-Muslim and will be happy to serve you. Much of Turkey is fairly conservative when it comes to dress – though in Istanbul and the Aegean/Mediterranean resorts, skimpier clothing is a more common sight. Anywhere, women should cover their heads if entering a mosque – even if this is not strictly enforced. Headscarves are often provided, as are plastic bags for you to stow your shoes (men and women) before entering. Away from the beach, dress with a degree of modesty. This applies particularly to female tourists, who should avoid tiny shorts/skirts and tops that expose too much flesh. In eastern and central Anatolia, men should also wear long trousers. In staunchly Islamic cities such as Erzurum even T-shirts and sandals are unwise. Local people may not actually say anything but many consider inappropriate clothing disrespectful and shocking. Also, do not go in for overly demonstrative displays of affection in public. Be aware that some Whirling Dervish 'performances' in tourist hotels have nothing at all to do with the genuine religious celebration dating back centuries – they are just people employed to dress up and go through the motions. And if you are fortunate enough to witness a genuine Dervish ceremony, do not treat it as something in any way amusing; the whirling is part of a religious act and should be accorded suitable respect as such. Haggling is a respected part of Turkish sales practice in some shops, bazaars and markets. Only begin haggling if you have a genuine interest in buying something – to the traders it is part of their livelihood, not a tourist game. Don't, however, feel obliged to buy if you really can't agree a price. As a general guideline, offer half (or slightly less) of the initial quoted price, then work your way up to try and find a price halfway between the trader's starting point and yours. Do be aware that Turkey is not a cheap country – and while prices may be slightly lower than back home, you won’t find bargains for pennies. What you will find is superb craftsmanship, and conversation-sparking unique items. The kilims, carpets, tiles and ceramics are priced to reflect the painstaking workmanship that has gone into them – so be sure that the amount you are offering is fair, or it simply won’t be accepted. If you are on an excursion boat that you believe is discharging sewage into the sea or anchoring in an environmentally-sensitive area, report this to your tour operator. Turkey still has a long way to go when it comes to recycling, so try not to buy water in plastic bottles. In restaurants, water is widely served in glass bottles, while for travel, bring a reusable water bottle which can be refilled from larger bottles of shop-bought water. Some Turkish toilets – especially in old quarters of cities (including Istanbul) – may flood if you put toilet paper down them. If you see a bin beside the toilet bowl (or hole in the ground) that is where to put the paper. Some toilets will also have a jet-spray, which is what locals use to clean after using the loo, using toilet paper only to dry themselves. It's actually more hygienic! There are several dolphinariums in Turkey which not only have captive dolphins but also allow visitors to swim and play with them. Responsible Travel is strongly opposed to keeping dolphins in captivity. For more information on how to watch or swim with them – responsibly – in the wild, see our Dolphin Watching guide.