Türkiye wants to protect its greatest treasure. Tourists must comply

Tourism in Cappadocia can no longer develop in such an uncontrolled way as before. Turkish authorities presented details of a project aimed at protecting this beautiful region against the effects of excessive number of visits. The plan includes Issues of introducing strict control of tourist activities regarding especially such attractions as Safari on quads, jeep trips and horse riding. “Tour organizers who will not follow approved routes will receive financial penalties,” we read in Hürriyet Daily News.

Türkiye must protect Cappadocia

Cappadocia must oppose the increasing pressure of excessive tourism. Located in the central part of the country, the region known from the “Moon Landscape” has been one of the most important points to see in Turkey for years. This is a place that tourists often visit during short, one -day or two -day trips, while their main accommodation base is located in one of the resorts on the Mediterranean coast. The protective need for this historical and natural miracle is becoming more and more important. The biggest problem, apart from the disturbingly high number of visitors, is unregulated tourist activities, which even more than the number of guests itself contributes to landscape degradation.

Financial penalties are a must

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism wants to introduce larger controls in services such as Safari on quads, Jeep trips and horse riding. “In the future, tour routes will be clearly defined and limited to designated paths, and GPS monitoring will soon become mandatory for all ATV and UTV vehicles in the region,” we read. If tourist operators are still going beyond the marked trails, they will be fined in the amount of 92 thousand. Turkish lir ($ 2261) at the first offense. The next license will be withdrawn.