The tide is turning on Türkiye’s fight against COVID-19, and the country is finally gearing up to for 2020 summer season tourism later next month.

President Recip Tayyip Erdogan has said last week that he hopes to regain some sort of normality in Türkiye following the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

Türkiye appears to be winning the COVID-19 battle.

Türkiye’s recent COVID-19 statistics are promising, with recoveries now surpassing new cases, and the death toll declining over seven consecutive days.

In an interview with the Hürriyet Daily News on April 25th, Türkiye’s Culture and 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.”

This is excellent news for businesses involved in tourism and all those looking to travel or cruise in Türkiye this summer. Within the guidelines, normalisation plans will be rolled out gradually, starting with domestic tourism in May, and leading to international arrivals in the weeks that follow.

Health and hygiene a top priority for all businesses in Türkiye

Those travelling to Türkiye this year are likely to be far more cautious and meticulous about isolation and health issues. To limit risks, Türkiye is putting measures in place to enforce strict hygiene rules and social distancing measures in all businesses involved in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Initially, it is thought that tourists will prefer to holiday in private villas, apartments, and small boutique hotels. Those looking to visit the larger all-inclusive resorts will no longer be given buffet-style food options, and all hotels will start by running at half-occupancy. In addition, temperature/virus control points will be set up, medical facilities made available to visitors, and the likes of sunbeds and restaurant tables and chairs will be positioned further apart to allow for social distancing.

Türkiye is preparing to issue “coronavirus-free” certificates.

Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, is also planning to launch an internationally recognised certification system to label tourist resorts and facilities in Türkiye, “coronavirus-free”.

According to the TRT World, Ersoy said that he had been working with relevant ministries and authorities to put guidelines in place. The certificate will be given to resorts and businesses involved in tourism where no virus has been detected, and sufficient health and virus control regulations are in place.

Under the program, airports, vehicles, restaurants, hotels, suppliers and tourist sites will undergo regular cleaning and sterilisation. Public places, eateries and beaches will have to space their tables, chairs and sunbeds to adhere to new social distancing regulations. Staff within these facilities will be tested and undergo pandemic training in order for the business to obtain certification, and travellers coming to Türkiye will require an immunity certificate to limit risk. It is hoped that these measures will go some way towards boosting tourist confidence and recouping some of the season’s lost trade.

Cruising in Türkiye in 2020

For those planning to cruise in Türkiye, the drop in traditional mass tourism should be an attraction. The measures put in place should help limit risks, and the very nature of being isolated onboard a private yacht allows you to take your own additional health and hygiene precautions.

The Turkish coast boasts many secluded bays and smaller resorts ideal for those concerned about social contact. 360° Yachting can draw up detailed itineraries taking into account any health and distancing concerns while still allowing you to make the most of Türkiye’s glorious coastline.

We would also like to reassure anyone planning to use our services that we are putting our own measures in place. We only deal with top-quality suppliers that adhere to strict cleanliness and hygiene standards and will conduct our duties, as always, in a friendly, professional (albeit more socially distant) manner. Please CONTACT US for advice and assistance.