Türkiye introduces new rules for hotels

Aysel Alp/Özge Esen- ISTANBUL

The new rules require accommodation facilities across Türkiye to employ staff certified in first aid.

Türkiye’s Culture and Tourism Ministry has introduced new regulations for small accommodation facilities, including hotels, guesthouses, apart hotels, bungalows, mountain lodges and other establishments providing basic lodging services.

The new rules mark the beginning of a new period for those accommodation facilities that account for about 60 percent of Türkiye’s tourism establishments and roughly 30 percent of total bed capacity. Small hotels, motels, guesthouses, beaches and similar businesses that can currently operate under licenses issued by municipalities and local authorities will be subject to additional requirements.

The regulation aims to strengthen the ministry’s role in overseeing these facilities and to improve service standards.

Under the new regulation published in the Official Gazette, facilities with a capacity of 25 rooms or more will be required to have a reception desk at the entrance. Establishments must also employ staff certified in first aid.

Accommodation providers will be required to carry out regular cleaning, maintenance and pest-control measures.

Swimming pools must have floors and walls covered with appropriate materials, while continuous water cleanliness must be ensured through filtration and disinfection systems.

Pools will also be required to include safety steps and depth markings at every level where water depth changes. A separate pool with a maximum depth of 50 centimeters must be provided for children.

In addition, room doors that do not have electronic locking systems will be required to include an additional locking mechanism to enhance security.