Support for the sector is at your doorstep.

Burhan Sili, the President of the Alanya Tourism Operators Association, said, "We believe that after overcoming the threat of the coronavirus pandemic, a rapid recovery will be achieved."

Burhan Sili, a member of the Board of Directors of the Türkiye Hotels Federation (TÜROFED) and the President of the Alanya Tourism Operators Association (ALTİD), stated: "Our country is currently experiencing a low rate of the coronavirus pandemic, which has become a global problem. Our government and Ministry of Health have taken serious measures in this regard. We believe that the measures taken are extremely important for the health of our citizens and to prevent the spread of the pandemic. The tourism sector, both in Alanya and throughout Turkey, is negatively affected by the virus outbreak. This situation is caused by the increasing number of cases in our source markets, which is leading to the closure of flight routes. However, by taking these measures, we are protecting the health of our citizens while also protecting the health of our guests. We appreciate the work being done."

'SUPPORT PACKAGE BEING DISCUSSED.'

We are in constant consultation with our Minister of Tourism, Mr. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, and the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, and we are evaluating the process. There are proposals that we have put forward, as well as efforts by the Ministry, to minimize and resolve the situation. The creation of a support package for the sector is being considered. Our Minister of Finance has also indicated this in his statements. This package includes measures such as providing credit to prevent financial difficulties in the coming period, and addressing support and incentives from the Social Security Institution (SGK). On the other hand, there is a discussion about providing support to help travel agencies quickly recover from the operational standstill they are experiencing. All of these supports will be evaluated and announced in accordance with the possibilities of our country and the needs of the sector.

'LIFE WILL RETURN TO NORMAL'

In order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the borders have been closed for some of our key source markets. During this period, our tourism facilities are also closed. Flights are scheduled to resume on April 17th. We hope that after this date, the problems will have been overcome and life will have returned to normal. As a country, we are in a good position compared to the rest of the world thanks to the measures we have taken. We believe that after the coronavirus pandemic is overcome, we will be able to achieve a rapid recovery. With planned promotional activities and by establishing the necessary relationships, we have the strength to do our best to revitalize the markets.

"SOME PEOPLE ARE CHOOSING TO STAY IN OUR COUNTRY."

Flights are operating normally until midnight on March 20th. Guests who are scheduled to depart before this date will return. Guests whose departures are scheduled for after this date may, if they wish, return to their countries via flights operating until midnight on March 20th. This weekend, a significant meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Antalya Governorship, attended by representatives from tour operators and travel agencies, to discuss these plans. We are regularly providing information to our guests and members regarding the ongoing situation. Some guests who feel that Turkey is a safer place to continue their vacation are choosing to do so. We will continue to serve these guests.