Statement from Villa Tourism Enterprises Association: “Law No. 7464 Threatens Villa Tourism”

The Villa Tourism Enterprises Association (TURVİB) has raised concerns about the impact of Law No. 7464, which took effect on January 1, 2024. TURVİB President Erdal Okurgan highlighted that this law, also known as the “Law on the Rental of Houses for Tourism Purposes” or colloquially as the Airbnb law, was generating significant complaints within the sector. These complaints were gathered from 45 travel agencies and hundreds of villa operators.

Establishment of TURVİB

TURVİB was established a few months ago in Kaş to address the core issues faced by villa tourism enterprises and to ensure the sector’s representation in state institutions. The association continues its activities with the support of 45 travel agencies involved in villa tourism. Okurgan noted that villa tourism had grown rapidly over the past 15 years in key Turkish tourism regions such as Kaş, Kalkan, Fethiye, and Sapanca. These regions, which have not benefited much from hotel investments, have seen an increase in interest from both domestic and international tourists, making villa tourism a critical source of livelihood for these areas, supporting nearly 35 sub-sectors.

Addressing Sector Complaints

Okurgan stated that upon deciding to form the association, they had quickly gathered major travel agencies and numerous volunteer villa operators. During their meetings, they identified the issues faced by the sector through complaints and common decisions, which were subsequently reported to the relevant authorities. The association is dedicated to representing the sector in every possible forum. The primary concern raised by the sector pertains to Law No. 7464, which introduces stringent regulations on uncontrolled short-term rentals, requiring permits for residences and short-term rental apartments.

Threats to Villa Tourism

Okurgan emphasized that while the law aimed to control short-term rentals effectively in major cities, its incomplete definitions had inadvertently affected tourism regions as well. There has been a notable increase in the number of touristic villa operations in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions receiving rejections for permit applications due to issues such as 2B land and zoning problems, and undivided deed issues. Despite being legally registered and tax-paying businesses that have adhered to regulations for years, these villa operations are now facing significant challenges because of this law, posing a severe threat to the country’s touristic villa tourism.

Okurgan highlighted the unfairness of equating residences in major cities rented out for tourism purposes via foreign-based sites like Airbnb, Booking, and Vrbo with touristic villa facilities. These facilities, which offer extensive amenities like swimming pools, gyms, saunas, and cinema rooms, are reserved through local travel agencies approved by the Ministry and TURSAB.

Need for Immediate “Temporary Permits”

Okurgan called for immediate action to issue “Temporary Permits” without conditions for existing touristic villa operations, valid until the end of the tourism season. He argued that classifying touristic villa facilities in the same category as standard housing complicates the permit processes, making it nearly impossible for businesses in regions struggling with zoning issues to obtain permits. This situation jeopardizes local tourism and could potentially disappoint tourists during the season. Okurgan also urged the Ministry of Tourism to review the heavy responsibilities and penalties imposed on villa tourism travel agencies and to consider postponing inspections and penalties until necessary amendments to the law are made or extending the law’s deadlines reasonably.

Accessibility of Villa Tourism

Addressing media reports about high rental prices for villas, Okurgan explained that while recent news mentioned exorbitant weekly and seasonal rental rates in regions like Bodrum, these reports did not reflect the general situation and create a negative image for the sector. He pointed out that villa tourism catered to a broad audience, with per capita costs comparable to guesthouse prices, and was particularly popular among honeymooners and conservative families. This unique holiday system for family and friend tourism is unfairly tarnished based on a few isolated incidents reported in the media. Okurgan warned that those who currently criticize the sector may realize its value when faced with high holiday costs in the summer. (source: TURİZM AJANSI)