Warning from TÜROB: Foreign Travel Platforms May Challenge Turkish Tourism

TÜROB: The Closure of International Travel Platforms May Create Problems Affecting Turkish Tourism

The lawsuit filed by the Turkish Travel Agencies Association (TÜRSAB) against 10 foreign travel platforms, such as Airbnb and Expedia, has caught the attention of hoteliers as well.

The President of the Turkish Hoteliers Association (TÜROB), Müberra Eresin, emphasized in her statement regarding TÜRSAB's legal proceedings against these platforms that tourism and technology know no boundaries. Eresin expressed that the issue should not be addressed simply in the framework of "will the platforms be closed or not?"

We Need Integration More Than Prohibition

Eresin noted that closing globally popular platforms like Expedia and Agoda would have a direct negative impact on Turkish tourism. She highlighted the importance of integrating these entities into the Turkish system, reminding that these platforms have offices and tax obligations in many countries.

Eresin emphasized the necessity for international platforms to open offices in Turkey to operate in compliance with local regulations, stating, "We should take steps through regulation, not prohibition."

Solution Path: Dialogue and Harmony

Eresin stressed that the real loss would fall on Turkish tourism if foreign platforms were to be closed. She stated, "We must develop regulation models adapted to Turkey, inspired by global practices. Beyond closure, we should produce solutions through dialogue."

She mentioned that deficiencies regarding tax issues are a natural state, asserting, "The main point is that those who earn income in Turkey must also assume local responsibilities." Additionally, she noted that these online platforms pay the highest digital service tax in Turkey.

Eresin also emphasized the importance of adopting balanced and functioning practices to ensure Turkey does not become disconnected from the global tourism system.