Call for fair competition and tax justice from travel agencies to Parliament
TÜRSAB and industry representatives demanded that the legislative proposal targeting foreign digital travel platforms be revised to establish fair competitive conditions.
TÜRSAB and travel agencies stated that the legislative proposal regulating the activities of foreign digital travel platforms in Turkey raises questions regarding fair competition, tax obligations, and consumer rights, and requested that the regulation be reviewed.
Main objections to the legislative proposal announced
TÜRSAB and travel agencies shared their evaluations with members of the press regarding the legislative proposal aiming to regulate the activities of foreign digital travel platforms in Turkey. During the meeting, the purpose of the proposal, competitive conditions between domestic and foreign businesses, consumer protection, taxation, and potential impacts on Turkey's tourism revenues were brought to the agenda. Industry representatives stated that they are not against foreign platforms operating in the Turkish market, but that they should be subject to the same rules and obligations as travel agencies in Turkey.
Demand for equal conditions and obligations emphasized
In the statements made, it was emphasized that the main objection to the legislative proposal is not the entry of foreign platforms into the market, but their operation with different obligations. Travel agencies argued that while domestic businesses undertake various responsibilities in areas such as tax, insurance, consumer legislation, and the protection of personal data, some digital platforms based abroad may not be subject to the same obligations. Stating that they are not against digitalization and international competition, industry representatives pointed out that travel agencies in Turkey also use digital sales channels.
Consumer rights and guarantees under discussion
One of the prominent topics at the meeting was the rights provided to consumers by package tour legislation. Travel agencies stated that the application of package tour provisions in transactions where air tickets and accommodation are sold together provides consumers with certain guarantees regarding issues such as cancellation, refunds, contracts, and information. Industry representatives claimed that if the legislative proposal changes the current legal framework regarding the sales of foreign digital platforms in Turkey, consumers may not benefit from these guarantees to the same extent.
Tax rates and public revenues brought to the agenda
Taxation also held an important place in the objections to the legislative proposal. During the meeting, the tax obligations of travel agencies operating in Turkey were compared with the rates stated to be applied to platforms based abroad. Industry representatives mentioned a tax burden of around 20-25 percent for domestic businesses, while bringing up a rate of 2.5 percent for foreign platforms. Industry representatives claimed that if the practice is implemented in this manner, there could be a decrease in public revenues.
Risks for small and medium-sized enterprises
Industry representatives argued that the potential consequences of the regulation would not be limited to large-scale enterprises only, but would also affect small and medium-sized travel agencies. It was stated that the operation of foreign platforms at lower costs could create pressure on domestic businesses, which could pose a risk in terms of employment and the sustainability of businesses.