Although the Ministry of Culture and Tourism was
separated into two separate ministries in 1989, the current
circumstances in many local tourist destinations
re#ect Soysal's concern. Local cultural values in many
local tourist destinations have become a part of the
tourism product. They have been used as a commodity
and marketing tool to increase the average length of stay
of the tourists and maximise foreign currency earning.
Consequently, a &get-rich-quick' mentality has emerged
in the tourism industry. Hoteliers, and other tourismrelated
entrepreneurs, have tried their best to use everything
available to maximise theirpr o"t margin without
considering the consequences of their activities even for
their future business. Traditional ceremonies, folk
dances, etc. have been performed as part of the entertainment
activities in hotels, bars, discos and restaurants. For
example, the author personally witnessed that a circumcision
feast has been presented in such a way that it
created fear in boys who would be circumcised. To be
paraded in front of so many foreign people with di!erent
language and colourshould not be allowed and it becomes
an additional stress factor for those boys kept
waiting forthe sake of tourists and money. It is not only
uncomfortable for these boys, but the content of the
circumcision feast has become exaggerated that it is
inconsistent with reality.