Alanya Association of Tourism Professionals (ALTİD) President Cem Özcan stated that the tax regulations and support packages announced for the tourism sector are a positive development on behalf of the industry.
Özcan stated that the 60 billion TL Tourism Support Package implemented by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is a significant step that will increase the financial competitiveness of the sector, saying, “In terms of the sustainability and international competitiveness of the tourism sector, we find the announced supports positive on behalf of our industry and promising for the future.”
Stating that the extension of the application encouraging the conversion of companies' foreign currency holdings into Turkish Lira until July 31, 2026, is also a significant development for the industry, Özcan said that the tourism sector has been struggling with many economic difficulties recently and that such supports will provide significant contributions to the sector.
Özcan, stating that the reduction of the accommodation tax rate from 2 percent to 1 percent, which entered into force with the Presidential Decree published in the Official Gazette as of May 1, 2026, was welcomed by the tourism community, emphasized that the regulation is an important step toward reducing the financial burden on the sector.
Özcan included the following statements in his explanation:
“The tourism sector has been struggling with rising costs, global competition conditions, and economic pressures for a long time. The reduction of the accommodation tax to the 1 percent level is a positive and supportive development for our sector. The incentives and tax regulations announced for the tourism sector are considered valuable by sector representatives.”
Emphasizing that the tourism sector is a strategic field engaged in the export of services, Özcan stated that they expect the same approach to be maintained in VAT regulations, saying, “Following this positive step taken in the accommodation tax, our sector is also expecting support regarding the VAT reduction. The fact that the demands of tourism professionals are finding a response is encouraging for the future of our sector.”
Özcan also thanked Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek and Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy for the supports and incentives directed towards the tourism sector.
Özcan stated, ‘As ALTİD, we will continue to be a supporter of every kind of step that will strengthen Turkish tourism and carry the sector forward. At the same time, we will continue our efforts to ensure that the demands of our hoteliers are heard and implemented within the relevant institutions.’