POWER IS BORN FROM THE PARTNERSHIP OF REZEDA AND AKAY IN THE ROMANIAN MARKET
Hamit Gazez, Chairman of the Board of Rezeda Tours, one of the important names in the Romanian tourism market, evaluated the development process of tourism in Romania and Turkey's position in this market. Gazez, who has been operating in the tourism sector in Romania for approximately 30 years, stated that they made great sacrifices to promote Turkey as a destination and contributed to the growth of the market over time.
"We Worked Hard to Promote Turkey"
Stating that they made a great effort in the periods when Turkey was not known as a destination in Romania, Gazez explained the process with the following words:
"In the past, people in Romania mostly traveled to Greece and nearby destinations. We made great sacrifices to promote Turkey as a destination. We entered the market by launching charter flights. We had a very difficult time at first, we couldn't make a profit. However, as demand increased over time, tour operators also turned to Turkey. Turkey has now become an important destination in Romania. We didn't make money in the first years, but we finally succeeded. Now, we are struggling because of constantly increasing prices," he said.
"Hotels Raise Prices, Sales Become Difficult"
Gazez emphasized that hotel prices should be controlled in order for Turkey to compete with rival destinations, and said:
"A hotel that we sold for $94 in 1999 is now 350 euros. Prices in Turkey increase by 10-15% every year. Greece is cutting prices, Egypt is very cheap, even Bulgaria attracts 400 thousand tourists every summer. Of course, it is not possible for them to provide our service, but they are taking them. We want Turkey to remain the number one destination, but we are struggling with this pricing policy."
"If I Don't Work with Large Operators, I Have No Chance of Survival"
Gazez stated that large tour operators in the sector can lower prices with their bargaining power, and said, "If we don't work with large companies, we have no chance of competition. They can negotiate better with hotels and reduce transfer costs. Small operators do not have this opportunity," he said.
"Turkey is an Indispensable Destination for Romanian Tourists"
Gazez emphasized that tourists coming from Romania care most about service quality other than price, and said, "Our service quality is high, our food, hotels and hospitality are strong. There is also a cultural closeness. Romanians love Turkey. Turkey was the first country to open its doors when Romania transitioned to democracy in 1990. That's why there is a sympathy towards Turkey," he said.
"The Aegean Region is Not Promoted Enough"
Referring to the growth potential of the Romanian market, Gazez stated that Antalya is in high demand, but that the Aegean Region is not promoted enough:
"The number of tourists going to Antalya last year was around 450 thousand. Other tour operators are also entering, this number will reach 500 thousand, but no one can make money according to the number of seats available. The real problem is the lack of promotion in the Aegean. However, the Aegean has great potential for Romanian tourists. Kuşadası is 1071 kilometers from Romania, within driving distance. We land our planes in Bodrum, Kuşadası is 170 kilometers away, but if it lands at İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport, it is 70 kilometers. If a good promotion is made, demand for the region may increase," he said.
"No One Asked Us About the Promotion Policy"
Referring to the activities of the Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), Gazez stated that the TGA is promoting itself in Romania, saying, "TGA is promoting independently in Romania. But no one asked us."
"Small Operators Should Be Supported, Unity is Strength"
Hamit Gazez said that they expect hotel managements to control price increases in order for Turkey to maintain a strong position in the Romanian market, and said, "Hotel prices are constantly increasing, which makes it difficult to sell package tours. Our expectation from hoteliers is to keep prices at reasonable levels."
Gazez emphasized that large tour operators have a competitive advantage thanks to their strong marketing budgets, and said, "Our marketing budgets are limited, large operators can even offer airline tickets at low prices with annual campaigns. Small operators do not have such an opportunity," he said.
Gazez stated that small operators should be supported in order for Turkey to remain strong in the Romanian market, and said, "We are increasing our strength by working with Akay Tourism. Cooperating with large structures is one of the most important ways to survive in the market. Those who act with the understanding of 'Unity is strength' achieve lasting success in the Romanian market," he said.
Chairman of the Board of Rezeda Tours, Hamit Gazez, stated that in order for Turkey to maintain its leadership in the Romanian market, price balance should be ensured, small and medium-sized operators should be supported, and more investment should be made in marketing activities.
