TÜROB Warns Banning Airbnb and Expedia Could Harm Turkish Tourism

Müberra Eresin, President of the Turkish Hoteliers Association (TÜROB), has weighed in on the lawsuit filed by the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) seeking to block several foreign online tourism platforms, including Airbnb and Expedia. Her assessment frames the issue as a strategic crossroads for Turkish tourism, warning that outright bans could trigger long-term damage rather than protection.

Eresin emphasized that the debate should not be reduced to a binary question of whether international platforms should be shut down or allowed to operate freely. Instead, she argued that the real challenge lies in how Turkey adapts to a global tourism and technology ecosystem that no longer recognizes borders. According to Eresin, solutions based on prohibition risk isolating Turkish tourism from global markets at a time when visibility and accessibility are critical.

“Tourism and Technology No Longer Recognize Borders”

In her evaluation, Eresin stressed that digital travel platforms have fundamentally reshaped how tourists discover, compare, and book accommodations. She underlined that attempting to block these systems would not reverse this reality.
“Tourism and technology no longer recognize borders,” she said, adding that the issue must be approached through modernization rather than restriction.

She noted that globally recognized platforms such as Expedia, Agoda, and similar services operate in dozens of countries under varying regulatory frameworks. In many cases, these companies maintain local offices, fulfill tax obligations, and comply with national rules while continuing to provide global reach to local tourism businesses. This model, Eresin argued, demonstrates that regulation and integration are not only possible but already widely implemented elsewhere.

Risks of Isolation for Turkish Tourism

Eresin warned that banning international online travel platforms would not primarily hurt the companies themselves. Instead, she said, the real cost would be borne by Turkish tourism, which relies heavily on international visibility and seamless digital access.
“If these platforms are shut down, the real loss will not be suffered by the companies, but by Turkish tourism, whose promotion and accessibility would be weakened,” she stated.

She explained that millions of travelers worldwide rely on a small number of dominant digital platforms when planning trips. Removing Turkish hotels and accommodations from these ecosystems could reduce demand, limit destination awareness, and divert tourists toward competing countries that remain digitally accessible.

Regulation Over Prohibition

Central to Eresin’s argument is the idea that bans are a blunt instrument unsuited to a complex, globalized sector. She repeatedly emphasized that the solution lies in regulation, not prohibition.
“The solution is not closure, but dialogue. Not bans, but regulation,” she said.

According to Eresin, if international platforms generate revenue in Turkey, they should do so under Turkish law. This includes opening local offices, complying with domestic regulations, and meeting tax and legal responsibilities. However, she made clear that these objectives can be achieved without severing ties to the global tourism system.

Taxation and Legal Responsibilities

Addressing concerns about taxation and oversight, Eresin acknowledged that there may be deficiencies in the regulation of some platforms. However, she argued that these gaps should be closed through updated legal frameworks rather than legal bans.
“If there are deficiencies in taxation or obligations, these should be addressed through regulation,” she said.

She pointed out that many countries have already developed balanced regulatory models that ensure international platforms contribute fairly to local economies while continuing to operate. Eresin suggested that Turkey could adapt similar frameworks, ensuring both competitiveness and compliance.

Integrating Global Models Into Turkey

Eresin highlighted the importance of studying international best practices rather than acting in isolation. Well-functioning global models, she argued, protect local tourism industries while keeping them connected to international demand flows. Applying such models in Turkey would help safeguard the sector without sacrificing growth potential.

She warned that cutting Turkey off from global digital platforms could have ripple effects beyond hotels and travel agencies, impacting employment, regional economies, and overall tourism revenue. In a country where tourism plays a vital role in foreign-exchange earnings, this risk should not be underestimated.

A Call for Dialogue With International Platforms

Rather than confrontation, Eresin called for structured dialogue between Turkish authorities, sector representatives, and international platforms. She argued that cooperation would allow Turkey to set clear rules, ensure accountability, and protect domestic stakeholders while still benefiting from global exposure.