Statement from Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy regarding ‘booking.com’

Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy addressed the allegations that booking.com’s activities had been blocked in Turkey during a press conference today, at the Istanbul Atatürk Cultural Center.

THE DECISION WAS MADE BY COURT WE DID NOT BLOCK IT

Ersoy explained the process as follows: “This claim is unfounded. Let me share the reality with you. In 2015, a lawsuit was filed against booking.com by the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies on the grounds that it did not pay taxes and created unfair competition. In 2017, the court issued a precautionary measure decision, and the decision regarding the lawsuit was made in 2019. With the decision of ‘unfair competition,’ the court decided to lift the precautionary measure upon the payment of a security deposit of 500,000 Turkish liras. The decision stated that the company did not pay taxes, did not obtain the necessary permits to open a business, and avoided administrative and legal controls by operating through digital and fixed business premises. It was emphasized that they prevented their supervision through these methods.

In summary, the court said, ‘If you agree to operate in compliance with Turkish tax laws, commercial laws, and consumer laws, you can operate. Otherwise, you cannot conduct activities.’ In the end, there is no blockade imposed by the ministry. There is a lawsuit filed by the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies in 2015, and there is a finalized court decision. Likewise, in accordance with the court decision, dozens of foreign-origin global reservation engines operate in our country by complying with Turkish tax laws, regulations, and consumer laws.”