Turkey is facing major disruptions as 4000 hotels suddenly closed after a crackdown on licensing. Inspections found 17% of hotels across Turkey are operating without the required tourism operating license with many travellers caught off guard, arriving in Turkey to find their hotels sealed off.
Crackdown Follows Kartalkaya Fire
Authorities increased inspections across the hotel sector following a catastrophic fire in a ski resort in Kartalkaya that claimed the lives of 78. Inspections focused on fire safety but also revealed a mass licensing problem. During inspections, authorities found that rather than operating under the ‘tourism operating license’ they were solely working under the ‘municipal license’ which is not a valid substitute. Further administration shortages and backlogged approvals are creating bureaucratic delays, causing hotels to shut their doors as they await approval. These thorough inspections aim to strengthen trust in the Turkish tourist industry and prevent further tragedies from occurring.
A Lost Season for Turkey
Serdar Karcılıoğlu, Honorary Founding President of the Bodrum Professional Hotel Managers Association (BOYD), claims that the disruptions have already claimed this year’s tourist season blaming it on the ministry’s inaction and lack of preparedness. He stated:
“Only around 200 of the 4,000 shuttered hotels may manage to obtain their licenses and reopen. The rest will either remain closed or operate illegally. It’s not just hoteliers being hurt, tourists and local economies will suffer too.”
The disruptions cause a threat to the tourism economy and risk hotels operating illegally while they await approval. Authorities also face a lack of workforce for inspections leading to further delays in obtaining licenses.
The Future of Turkish Tourism
Though causing a short-term disruption, Turkey is aiming to strengthen the tourist industry in the long term. Authorities are proceeding with mass closures, mainly affecting Istanbul, despite the Constitutional Court annulling legal grounds for some enforcement actions. These disruptions could prove a major issue for the economy, with tourism being a cornerstone for Turkey, causing an effect on the regional economy and creating tourist shortages.
Tourists travelling to Turkey this summer should verify their hotels licensing before travel. Authorities are recommending contacting tourism offices or travel agencies for assistance should you face hotel closures. Let us know what you think below!
