Booking Could Soon Resume Domestic Bookings in Türkiye
🏨 Booking May Fully Resume Operations in Türkiye
Türkiye is preparing to lift the long-standing restrictions on the international accommodation booking platform Booking. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has drafted a new bill that would allow the platform to once again offer domestic accommodation bookings throughout the country.
The proposed legislation has already been submitted to members of the parliamentary group of the ruling AK Party for review.
📌 The changes have not yet taken effect. The bill must first be approved by the Turkish Parliament.
📱 How Booking Works in Türkiye Today
At present, residents of Türkiye cannot use Booking to reserve accommodation within the country.
The platform is only partially available:
- Residents of Türkiye can use Booking to book accommodation outside Türkiye.
- Many hotels and apartments in Türkiye remain visible and bookable for travelers accessing the platform from abroad.
- Domestic bookings made by users located in Türkiye continue to be restricted.
⚖️ Why Was Booking Restricted?
The restrictions have been in place for several years following legal proceedings concerning the platform's operations in Türkiye.
The case involved several issues, including:
- Taxation requirements.
- Competition with Turkish online booking platforms.
- Compliance with Turkish legislation and regulatory rules.
ℹ️ Booking did not completely leave Türkiye. The restrictions mainly affected domestic reservations made by users located inside the country.
🏡 What Will Change If the Bill Is Approved?
If Parliament adopts the proposed legislation, Booking will be able to officially resume full operations in Türkiye's domestic accommodation market.
This would allow users to:
- Book hotels, apartments, villas and guesthouses across Türkiye without restrictions.
- Access a wider selection of accommodation through the international platform.
- Give Turkish hotels and property owners an additional global sales channel.
- Increase competition in the online accommodation booking market.
✅ If approved, the new legislation will allow Booking to officially return to Türkiye's domestic booking market.
📅 Current Status
The proposed law has not yet been adopted. Until Parliament completes the legislative process, the existing restrictions remain in force.
If the bill receives parliamentary approval, Booking will once again be able to offer accommodation bookings throughout Türkiye to users inside the country through its international platform.
