Impact of Coronavirus on Turkish tourism sector and reservation postponements

There is no doubt the coronavirus pandemic has had a terrible negative impact on business activities as well. Many businesses to include those operating in the hospitality sector have been effected very badly. The situation is no different in Turkey which heavily relies on tourism to balance its budget deficit and reports have started coming in regarding the difficulties and threats the sector is bound to face. Obviously the sector is going to be very disappointed in terms of revenues to realize their business plans as many cancellations are received nowadays.

In the meantime a business person, owner/operator of a small hotel in Cappadocia region of Turkey has shared a very important message addressing travelers to Turkey.

The message reads as follows:

“This is something I posted in a Turkey travel related FB group but it can apply to anywhere in the world. Same with airlines or any other activity that you have prepaid…

AN APPEAL TO EVERYONE POSTPONING THEIR TRAVEL TO TURKEY…

If you are now postponing your travel plans, please consider asking your hotels to reschedule rather than request a refund. They’ll appreciate the support (the morale boost is huge!) and it will help their cash flow immensely. And in some cases may just help them to retain staff.

I have offered all my prepaid guests the chance to reschedule to any date in the future, with the promise that they can reschedule again once they confirm their dates. For those that had low season or early booker discounts, I’m also allowing them to keep those rates of course.

Many hotels in Turkey are small owner operated places and this situation is hitting them hard. Staff are being asked to work for half salaries (which are often already unbelievably low). Others aren’t so lucky…they are losing their jobs already.”

If you know you want to come in future please consider this option.”