Turkey: The Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) has filed a lawsuit seeking an access ban on 10 foreign travel and booking platforms, citing unfair competition and unregulated activity.
It is seeking access restrictions on Airbnb, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, Isango, ToursByLocals, Agoda, Trip.com, Hotels.com and Musement.
In 2018, a similar legal challenge by TÜRSAB led to a ban on Booking.com’s operations in Turkey, a measure that remains in place.
In a statement, TÜRSAB said the platforms operate in Turkey without proper registration, operating licenses, or tax payments.
“Global sales, marketing, promotion and reservation portals, operating informally, without establishing a company in Türkiye and without being subject to any rules, documentation, taxation or oversight, are dominating the market under the guise of consumer convenience,” TÜRSAB said.
“These platforms are not subject to any regulation and are therefore engaging in unfair competition against travel agencies, which operate under exclusive authority and significant responsibilities and obligations,” it added.
Highlights:
• The Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) has filed a lawsuit seeking an access ban on 10 foreign travel and booking platforms, citing unfair competition and unregulated activity
• It is seeking access restrictions on Airbnb, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, Isango, ToursByLocals, Agoda, Trip.com, Hotels.com and Musement
• In 2018, a similar legal challenge by TÜRSAB led to a ban on Booking.com’s operations in Turkey, a measure that remains in place
