11/05/2020
Turkish Airlines to commence flights from May 28th.
Turkey’s national flag carrier intends commencing flights on May 28th. In an interview with the Hürriyet Daily News, Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said,
“If we don’t face new problems in the course of events, domestic [tourism] traffic will start at the end of May. The tourism season will open with controlled domestic flights. We now have set a certification board and have determined the rules of the hospitality sector.”
At the moment, it’s too early to say when foreign tourists will be allowed to come to Turkey. With the pandemic still crippling many countries, the Turkish authorities are understandably cautious. But, for those longing to jump that plane and head to Fethiye, this easing of measures is very positive news and that dream holiday in Turkey is now on the horizon.
Tourists coming to Turkey are likely to be far more cautious.
It’s believed those travelling to Turkey in 2020 will be far more cautious and concerned about health and hygiene. Infection is an obvious concern so, to limit risks, the Turkish authorities are introducing strict cleanliness and social distancing measures in all hotels and businesses involved in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Under the new regulations, hotels, suppliers, airports, vehicles, restaurants, and bars will undergo regular cleaning and sterilisation.
Hotels will initially run at less than half-occupancy. All-inclusive resorts and restaurants will no longer be able to offer buffet selections, and sunbeds, tables and chairs will be spaced out on beaches and in all establishments to comply with new social distancing rules.
Staff working within the tourism and hospitality industry will also be tested and given pandemic training, and visitors will be given access to medical care.
It is believed that small boutique hotels and PRIVATE villa and APARTMENT lets will be the preferred choice for travellers this year. These allow you to better distance yourself from the tourist crowds, therefore pose less risk. The cost of renting a holiday home is also more affordable in most cases, plus it gives you a chance to spend quality time and catch up with friends and family you may have been unable to see during isolation.
“Coronavirus-free” certificates to be issued.
To an effort to boost tourist confidence, Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Minister is also planning to launch “coronavirus-free” certificates. These certificates will be internationally recognised and issued to hotels, facilities, resorts and establishments where sufficient virus control measures are in place, and COVID-19 has not been detected. In return, travellers coming to Turkey may require an “immunity certificate” stating they have tested negative for the virus, and tourists may also be subject to temperature controls on arrival and at various public places during their holiday