Regulation of Foreign Travel Platforms Causes Concern in the Sector
Travel agencies and tour operators in Turkey stated that the legislative proposal concerning foreign platforms will create unfair competition and tax inequality.
Turkey's leading travel agencies and tour operators evaluated the legislative proposal targeting foreign travel platforms during a meeting hosted by TÜRSAB. Industry representatives emphasized that the regulation creates tax injustice and competitive pressure against domestic companies.
Assessments Made at the TÜRSAB Meeting
Executives of Turkey's leading travel agencies and tour operators shared their evaluations regarding the legislative proposal with the press at a meeting hosted by the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies.
Emphasis on Digital Capitulation and Tax Loss
TÜRSAB Vice President Davut Günaydın stated that this situation is completely in the nature of a capitulation, pointing out that the public will suffer very serious tax losses.
Günaydın expressed that it is unacceptable for foreign-based sellers to pay 2.5% tax while domestic agencies pay a 25% tax.
Small-Scale Businesses and Risk of Closure
Jolly Chairman of the Board Mete Vardar stated that the revenues of medium and small-scale companies will decrease, and employment losses and closures will be inevitable.
Vardar called on the Minister of Tourism, demanding that foreign operators also pay the same taxes as domestic companies.
Price Pressure and KVKK Audits
Setur Product Management Director Serhat Günay said that large platforms could create price and commission pressure on hotels over time.
Günay also emphasized that foreign platforms should be subject to the same audits and obligations within the scope of the KVKK (Personal Data Protection Law) regarding data processing and transfer activities.
Low Cost and International Challenges
Enuygun.com Deputy General Manager Responsible for Flight Business Unit Orkun Özkan pointed out that foreign platforms can start operating in a short time with low costs.
In this context, Özkan touched upon the difficulties faced by Turkish companies abroad.
Consumer Rights and the Issue of Legal Counterparts
TÜRSAB Chief Legal Advisor İlker Ünsever pointed out that if foreign platforms that lack a company, personnel, and capital in Turkey provide services, consumers will not be able to exercise their rights arising from package tours.