Welcome to our midweek round-up of the latest news and updates from Fethiye and across Turkey.
Curated from various news sources.
143 Hotels in Fethiye Unable to Open Due to Missing Documents
As the summer season gets underway in Fethiye, 143 hotels remain closed due to missing tourism business certificates. Despite growing tourism activity in the region, these establishments have not been granted the necessary operating permits as they have yet to complete the required documentation.
Local authorities have confirmed that hotels without valid tourism business certificates are not permitted to open. Once these deficiencies are addressed, businesses can apply for inspections and, if approved, will be allowed to welcome guests.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/fethiyede-143-otel-evrak-eksikligi-nedeniyle-acilamadi
Ölüdeniz’s Kumburnu Beach Retains Its Blue Flag for 24th Consecutive Year
Kumburnu Beach, located in the Ölüdeniz neighbourhood of Fethiye, has once again been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag – marking its 24th consecutive year of meeting the highest international standards for cleanliness, safety, and environmental sustainability.
Recognised as one of Turkey’s most iconic beaches, Kumburnu Beach Of Lagoon continues to attract thousands of local and international tourists with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, stunning natural surroundings, and unique aerial views that have made it a favourite among paragliders. The beach is frequently used in tourism campaigns to showcase the beauty of the Turkish Riviera.
Beach manager Burak Ardahan confirmed that the 2025 Blue Flag awards had been announced, and Kumburnu was once again among the recipients. “We protect this special place with a sustainable tourism approach,” he said, highlighting their commitment to preserving the beach’s natural beauty and ecological integrity.
To qualify for the Blue Flag, beaches must meet strict criteria including water quality, safety, environmental education, and effective management. “Kumburnu continues to meet all of these standards year after year,” Ardahan added.
He also noted the continuous efforts to keep the beach clean, including regular maintenance of walking paths and staff training in environmental responsibility. Informational signs and boards throughout the facility serve as reminders to visitors to help protect the environment.
Ardahan emphasised the role paragliding plays in boosting the beach’s visibility. “The view from above is breathtaking. Many visitors capture and share these moments on social media, which has greatly increased global recognition of Kumburnu Beach.”
With its long-standing Blue Flag status and commitment to sustainable tourism, Kumburnu Beach remains a shining example of responsible coastal management in Turkey.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/oludeniz-beach-of-lagoon-24-yildir-mavi-bayragini-koruyor
Visually Impaired British Tourist Soars Over Fethiye in Unforgettable Paragliding Experience
Visually impaired British tourist Paul Goodwen (47) fulfilled a dream by paragliding from the summit of Babadağ during his first-ever visit to Fethiye.
Taking off from the 1700-metre runway of Ölüdeniz Babadağ with experienced pilot Osman Nihat Cengiz, Goodwen enjoyed a 45-minute tandem flight before landing safely on Belcekız Beach. Describing the moment, he said:
“Even though I can’t see, I felt free with this experience. I was amazed by Fethiye – it’s my first time here, and it’s been unforgettable.”
Adding to the emotional moment, Goodwen’s daughters also joined the adventure, each flying tandem from Babadağ and sharing in the family’s once-in-a-lifetime memory.
Known as one of the world’s top paragliding destinations, Babadağ continues to attract thrill-seekers from around the globe. This inspiring flight has highlighted the inclusive spirit of tourism in Fethiye, showing that adrenaline-filled adventures like paragliding can be experienced by people of all abilities.
Source: https://www.fethiyetv.com/gorme-engelli-ingiliz-turist-babadagdan-uctu
Paragliding Trainee Falls into Ölüdeniz After Parachute Malfunction – Rescued with Minor Injuries
A paragliding trainee had a narrow escape in Fethiye’s Ölüdeniz after her spare parachute failed to open, causing her to fall into the sea. The pilot, identified as Esra S., is currently receiving treatment at Fethiye State Hospital and is reported to be in good condition.
According to reports, Esra S. had travelled to Fethiye to receive paragliding training and ascended Babadağ’s 1,700-metre runway via cable car on the morning of 16 June. While flying solo over the iconic Ölüdeniz coastline, approximately 300 metres from shore and 150 metres above the sea, her main parachute malfunctioned. When the reserve chute also failed to open, she plunged into the water below.
Nearby speedboat operators witnessed the fall and quickly launched a rescue effort. Meanwhile, bystanders alerted emergency services by calling 112 Emergency Call Centre. Within minutes, health, coast guard and gendarmerie teams arrived at the scene.
Esra S. was pulled from the sea by speedboat and brought to Belcekız Beach, where paramedics administered first aid on board before transferring her via stretcher to an ambulance. She was then taken to Fethiye State Hospital for further treatment. Fortunately, her injuries were described as minor, and her overall condition is stable.
The incident underscores the importance of stringent safety checks and preparedness in high-adrenaline sports like paragliding, particularly in popular destinations such as Babadağ, which attracts thousands of paragliders each year.
Source: https://gundemfethiye.com/fethiyede-egitim-alan-pilot-denize-dustu-hafif-yaralandi-107017/
Coasts Need Protection, Not Panic: Experts Urge Calm Over Shark Sightings
Recent shark sightings along Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have stirred public concern — but marine experts say panic is unnecessary and potentially harmful. Far from being man-eating threats, sharks are essential to marine ecosystems and face growing danger from climate change, coastal destruction, and overfishing.
While rare shark appearances — like the one recently recorded in Gökova and another off Mersin — often grab headlines and feed fear, the risk to humans is extremely low. According to the Australian Institute of Marine Science, fewer than 10 shark-related deaths occur globally each year, compared to 150 caused by falling coconuts. National Geographic notes the odds of a fatal shark attack are 1 in 3.7 million — but 100 million sharks are killed annually by humans.
Dr. Hakan Kabasakal, a cartilaginous fish expert for WWF Türkiye, confirms that species such as the mako, blue shark, and sand shark are occasionally spotted in Turkish waters during the summer. Rare species like the great white shark have been seen — the last time in 2020 — but these sightings are extremely infrequent.
Marine biologists stress that sharks play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity by removing sick and weak marine life, helping ecosystems stay balanced. Kabasakal warns that one in three shark species could face extinction this century, leading to a potential 80% loss in ocean biofunction.
The message from experts is clear: don’t fear sharks — protect them. Their survival is critical to the future of the planet’s oceans.
Source: https://gundemfethiye.com/kiyilarda-panik-degil-koruma-gerek-kopek-baliklari-ve-ekolojik-denge-107195/
Mayor Alim Karaca Attends CHP Meeting of District Mayors with Populations Over 100,000
Fethiye Mayor Alim Karaca took part in the Meeting of Mayors of Districts with Populations Over 100,000, held in Bandırma and organised by the Republican People’s Party (CHP). The gathering brought together CHP-affiliated mayors to review municipal services and set out shared goals for the future.
The meeting focused on the principles of social municipality, highlighting successful initiatives, future strategies, and the importance of solidarity among local administrations. Mayor Karaca joined his fellow mayors to discuss effective governance models and shared Fethiye’s achievements in public-focused municipal practices.
Speaking about the event, Mayor Karaca said:
“With our understanding of social municipality, we work to create fair and livable environments in our cities that prioritise people’s needs. Guided by this vision, we will continue to evaluate our services and shape new policies based on collective wisdom.”
The meeting also addressed social and economic policies for building a more inclusive future, with participants reaffirming their commitment to collaboration and progressive local governance.
From Baklava to Business: Turkish Delicacies Showcased in UK Parliament
British MPs gathered at Westminster this week for “Taste of Türkiye”, an event celebrating Türkiye’s rich culinary heritage and growing economic ties with the UK. Organised by Labour MP Afzal Khan, the event offered guests a flavourful journey through Turkish culture, while also highlighting the strength of bilateral trade relations.
Attendees, including MPs Naz Shah, Jeff Smith, and Chris Law, enjoyed an array of traditional Turkish delicacies — from baklava, borek, and sarma (stuffed vine leaves) to Turkish coffee, cheeses, and lokum (Turkish delight). The gathering also offered an opportunity for UK parliamentarians to meet with Turkish producers and brand representatives, showcasing some of Türkiye’s most iconic exports.
“With over £28 billion ($38 billion) in trade in 2024, Türkiye is the UK’s 16th largest trading partner and home to a significant diaspora here in the UK,” said Khan. “As we look ahead to Free Trade Agreement negotiations, this event offers a timely opportunity to celebrate our strong bilateral relationship.”
The event not only honoured the vibrant Turkish community in the UK, but also underscored the deepening partnership between London and Ankara — at a time when global trade and cultural diplomacy are more important than ever.
Source: Anadolu Agency
2,000 flamingo chicks die in Turkey’s Lake Tuz due to drought
Lake Tuz, Turkey’s second-largest lake and a vital breeding ground for flamingos, has once again witnessed a tragic mass die-off of flamingo chicks during this year’s migration season. According to field inspection teams, approximately 2,000 newly hatched flamingos have died after being unable to access sufficient water.
Straddling the provinces of Konya, Ankara, and Aksaray, Lake Tuz is a closed basin with no natural outlet. Its strategic position along major bird migration routes makes it a seasonal sanctuary for thousands of bird species in the spring and summer. Each year, the lake—often referred to as “flamingo paradise”—hosts between 20,000 and 22,000 flamingos during the breeding season.
However, recent inspections revealed distressing scenes in the lake’s nesting areas. Investigators found the dead chicks scattered across dry breeding grounds. The main cause was identified as uncontrolled agricultural irrigation, which has diverted water away from canals feeding the nesting zone. In addition, water levels in wells drilled to support the canal system have significantly decreased, compounding the shortage.
A similar crisis occurred in 2021, prompting the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change to drill a well to maintain water flow to the canal. Despite that intervention, the issue continues due to ongoing water mismanagement and overuse for agriculture.
Experts and environmental groups are once again calling for urgent and sustainable water management policies to protect Lake Tuz and its fragile ecosystem, warning that without immediate action, further damage to one of Turkey’s most important natural habitats is inevitable.
Source: Daily Sabah
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2 responses
Hi Lyn
my name is Gabi, I have been living in Side for 15 years, enjoying every moment (almost!).
As I’m not on facebook I enjoy reading your articles in Fethiye Times on a regular basis.
You’re doing such wonderful work, congratulations.
Best wishes, Gabi
Thank you Gabi. It is lovely to hear from readers who enjoy Fethiye Times.
Kind regards
Lyn