Tourism
Tourism in Fethiye constitutes the greatest source of income after agriculture. With a capacituopf about 900 accommodation facilities and 42.000 beds, Fethiye is a holiday centre visited by an average of 450.000 tourists per annum. In recent years some of the tourists coming to Fethiye from various countries of the world have started buying properties in Fethiye and settle here which doubtlessly contributes to the promotion of the region. In addition to holiday villages which are prominently renowned in world tourism, there are alternative accommodation facilities such as two, three, four-star hotels, small boarding houses, campsites and village houses where tourism and organic agriculture exist hand in hand.
Within the boundaries of Fethiye 177 Travel Agencies, which are members of the Union of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), offering their services. As result of endeavours to diversify activities, alternative tourism such as paragliding, diving, jeep safari, truck safari, rafting, canoe, blue voyage, trekking, bird and nature observation tours and such cultural and historical tours as "Mystical Lycian Tour" and "Trekking on the Lycian Path" have become an essential part of the programmes of travel agencies. With the tours organized by travel agencies, it is possible to become acquainted with prominent antique cities such as Xanthos, Pinara, Cadianda, Tlos, Letoon and with renowned cultural and natural treasures like Ölüdeniz, Çalış, Valley of Butterflies, Göcek, Saklıkent,Ören, Kaya Village, Hi.gh Planes - nomadic villages.
Organized tourism activities in Fethiye took a start with the establishment of Tourism Association in 1960 and gained momentum when the Tourism Information Bureau of the Ministry of Tourism was opened in 1972. In the 1980s mass tourism was inaugurated by the endeavours of the German and British tour operators which developed speedily in time.
The favourable natural and climatic conditions of the town facilitates tourism throughout the year. Unfortunately, due to the inadequate number of charter flights to the Dalaman Airport during winter months, this potential is limited to the summer season only. The opening of the Göcek Tunnel has been quite beneficial for overland transportation.
By virtue of the "Sewer and Purification System", which is the most prominent sub-structural project in the history of the town, Fethiye has become one of the cities where the sea water is the cleanest. Consequently, the water sports centre set up by the Fethiye Municipality, provides facilities in training and camping to local and foreign clubs of rowing, and international contests are organized here.
The Skiing Centre at Eren Mountain is expected to be activated in the very near future which constitutes hopes for winter tourism. With the formation of sub-structural unions in tourism, it is anticipated that the work on sub-structure ands chair lift will gain momentum and more tourists will be arriving at the region from within the country and abroad.