26.08.2026 11:41
With the newly published regulation, the service standards of simple accommodation facilities, hostels, and boutique hotels have been completely restructured. According to the decision prohibiting the transfer of tourism operation certificates, businesses with more than 25 rooms are now required to have a reception, facilities with pools must have at least two certified lifeguards, a children's pool, and additional locks on doors. The new physical standards will take effect on November 1, 2026.
With the new regulation published in the Official Gazette, standards for simple accommodation facilities, pensions, and boutique hotels have been completely overhauled. Under the new arrangement, where the transfer of certificates is prohibited, numerous new requirements have been introduced, including reception desks for facilities with more than 25 rooms, certified lifeguards for establishments with pools, children's pools, and additional locks on room doors.
A comprehensive amendment has been made to the regulation concerning the certification of simple accommodation facilities and beach establishments. With the new criteria, in which inspectors from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism will also actively take part in inspections, the aim is to enhance the quality of service and safety in the sector.
TOURISM OPERATION CERTIFICATES CANNOT BE TRANSFERRED
The first significant regulation that came into effect with the new regulation concerned the transfer of certificates. Simple accommodation tourism operation certificates cannot be transferred to any other person or enterprise, except in cases of transfer due to testamentary dispositions or inheritance. In case of detecting any violation, legal sanctions will be imposed by the governorates.
RECEPTION AND FIRST AID REQUIREMENTS FOR FACILITIES WITH MORE THAN 25 ROOMS
It has become mandatory for facilities with a capacity of 25 rooms or more to have a reception desk at the entrance. Additionally, in all facilities:
- First aid materials must be available and staff with first aid certificates must be employed.
- Food and beverages must be stored under conditions and at appropriate temperatures that prevent spoilage.
- Regular cleaning, maintenance, and uninterrupted pest control must be carried out.
LIFEGUARDS AND CHILDREN'S POOLS FOR FACILITIES WITH POOLS
Safety measures have been raised to the highest level in establishments with swimming pools:
- Lifeguards: At least two certified lifeguards will be on duty, depending on the number and size of the pools.
- Children's Pool: A separate pool with a maximum depth of 50 centimeters will be constructed for children. Facilities that only accept customers aged 12 and over will not be required to have a children's pool.
- Safety and Hygiene: Pools must have filtration and disinfection systems, non-slip surfaces, safety steps, changing cabins, and showers. Rules will be written in Turkish and at least two foreign languages.
- Recreational Pools: Private security personnel will be assigned during active hours at pools with slides, waterfalls, and wave pools.
NEW STANDARDS FROM DOOR LOCKS TO ROOM EQUIPMENT
Room standards have also been redrawn for customer comfort and safety. It has been made mandatory to install additional locks on room doors that do not have an electronic locking system. Rooms will include standard-compliant textile products, lighting, natural ventilation, electrical outlets, wardrobes, and curtains. Bathrooms will have shower cabins or curtains and the necessary hygiene equipment.
NEW RULES TAKE EFFECT ON NOVEMBER 1, 2026
While some articles, such as the prohibition on certificate transfer, will come into force on the date of publication, all new provisions regarding the physical, technical, pool, and room standards that facilities must meet will become mandatory as of November 1, 2026.