The draft law on foreign reservation platforms passed the committee in Turkey
A draft law introducing permits for foreign platforms such as Booking, Expedia and Airbnb, along with a representative requirement in Türkiye and a tax obligation, has been adopted in committee; if enacted, it will enter into force on 1 January 2027.
The Public Works, Reconstruction, Transport and Tourism Commission of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey has adopted a draft law on foreign digital accommodation platforms. The draft imposes obligations on platforms such as Booking, Expedia and Airbnb to obtain a permit document, maintain a representative in Turkey, and pay a tourism share and digital tax. The document will be discussed in the General Assembly and, if enacted, will enter into force on January 1, 2027.
The draft envisages setting an upper limit of 17 percent on commissions for domestic sales. In reservations made through digital platforms, the obligation to declare and pay VAT and withholding tax related to the accommodation service will fall on the hotel providing the service.
Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Nadir Alpaslan stated that a legal framework is being created that protects consumer rights, takes registered establishments into account, and aims to prevent unfair competition.
In Azerbaijan, the majority of hotels and guesthouses receive bookings precisely through these platforms. The representative and tax obligation model to be applied in Turkey could serve as a reference for similar regulatory discussions in the region.