The National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAT) announced on Wednesday, June 18, that the information that over 4,000 hotels would temporarily close in the city of Bodrum in Turkey is erroneous.
Image from Bodrum photo shutterstock
“The National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAT) received from the Association of Professional Hotels of Bodrum (BOYD) clarifications following the information recently published in some international publications, according to which«About 4,000 hotels in Turkey would have been closed for not holding licenses».
First of all, the Turkey Association informs us that, at present, about 1,300 hotels operate in Bodrum. Following the official consultations with the authorities in the region, it was found that only 6 hotels were temporarily removed from the system, as a result of administrative processes related to the updating of the operating licenses.
These are small units, in the process of changing the owner, renovation or technical updating. They will resume their activity soon with the completion of the procedures”, Anat reports in a press release.
Also, the president of ANAT, Alin Burcea, said that the information is erroneous and “There are not even 4000 hotels in Bodrum! Let us be careful about these misinformations. “
No tourist is or will not be affected in Bodrum
ANAT also transmitted that the information carried by the press, such as those mentioned by HLN and other international media institutions, refers to major controls carried out at national level.
“There are 973 districts in Turkey, and even in the situation where each or two units would have been made, the resulting amount may seem great, although it represents a natural administrative process. So it is not a common situation, but a result of technical, legal and administrative checks,” the institution also transmits.
ANAT ensures that most hotels in Bodrum fully comply with the legislation in force on tourism licensing, fire safety and other legal regulations.
“There is, at this moment, there is no situation that affects tourists in the region. The tourist season in Bodrum is carried out under normal conditions, without any disturbance.
The Association of Professional Hotels in Bodrum considers these inspections useful and necessary, meant to increase quality and safety standards in tourism. At the same time, we emphasize the importance of adapting the implementation of these measures to the local realities. Each region has its own needs and features, and a flexible and solutions oriented approach is essential ”, Anat also transmits.
Last but not least, ANAT said that Boyd collaborates with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and with the local authorities to help the hotels obtain or renew their licenses, to align with the control procedures and offering training and technical assistance.
“In conclusion, ANAT, along with the Association of Professional Hotels in Bodrum, assures the public that no tourist is or will not be affected in Bodrum. The international reputation of the region, the safety and quality of the tourist services are maintained to the highest standard, assures Sabaha Duman, President Boyd”, Concludes the agency.
