Following on from our article yesterday about the clampdown on hassling in Hisaronu, Oludeniz two readers voice their views on the subject.
 

Brian writes:

Re your article about the crackdown on hassling around Hisonaru perhaps somebody should point out to these businesses that it is for their own good. I am sure that my way of tackling hassling is fairly typical of many. Even if I’m interested in buying something, if I get hassled then I just walk away and no amount of chasing me will make me go back. Potential sale lost. I wouldn’t mind betting that businesses lose far more trade through hassling than they gain. Incidentally, I don’t include the polite greeting and invitation into a restaurant in this category and I feel sorry if some of these are being swept up in the general trawl. However, I don’t want to be pounced on the moment I stop to look at something that might interest me. Unfortunately the Turkish do not in the main seem to understand the concept of window shopping.

Neil writes

Hi, I have just read your article on hassle in Hisaronu and I say full praise to the authorities for their efforts. However, I think they may be too late for all the tourists who have been frightened away in the past. A friend and I went to Hisaronu in 2005 and we were hassled very aggressively.

Locals complain that there are less tourists now than before but, along with prices near enough the same as the UK, why come to Turkey to get hassled?
The shop owners need to learn that those that don’t hassle will get more customers. Hopefully they will take notice eventually.

What do you think? Is hassling, as it is termed, all part of the enjoyable rich and cultural Turkish holiday experience or is it a real pain that spoils your holiday? Let us know.