I see tourists as friendly people who have money to spend and usually leave places tidy. I would be happy to welcome many more visitors to our city.
Their presence encourages events that local residents enjoy too. A recent market selling mainly Turkish products probably would not have happened without tourists and day visitors.
It lifts my mood to see people outside enjoying life. More visitors have also helped support amenities such as the local swimming pool. Our Turkish foundation does not earn much directly from tourism, but the wider community benefits.
When visitors create enough activity for a market or swimming pool, local people receive more than tourism income—we receive a livelier town.
Many more shops have opened during recent years, and they remain open longer. This gives everyone greater freedom to shop when it suits them.
The city has become busier, however. There are more cars, and crossing the road sometimes requires real care. I am also concerned that young people have become more headstrong and show less respect for elders. I do not know whether tourism is responsible, but we try to teach our children differently.
Hospitality has been central to Turkish culture for centuries. In Turkey, a stranger can knock on a door and say they come as a Tanrı misafiri—a guest of God. They will be invited inside. Homes keep spare blankets, mattresses and a room for guests. Welcoming people makes me proud. And Turkish cultures also respect elderly people and most tourists here are older, so I believe they should be treated especially well.
Hospitality is not only about a commercial relation between a host and a guest. What I truly appreciate in tourism is mutual respect.
Dutch visitors sometimes do not know how to respond to such an open welcome. They may worry that accepting creates an obligation. For me, it simply creates a human connection.
The city may be busier than before, but in my idea of hospitality there is always room to welcome one more guest.