Mehmet İşler: Social Security premiums and taxes threaten tourism

Mehmet İşler , President of the Aegean Touristic Enterprises and Accommodations Association ( ETİK ) and Vice President of the Turkish Hoteliers Federation (TÜROFED) , stated that the factors threatening sustainability in tourism are increasing and called for urgent structural transformation. İşler stated that cost pressures stemming from high interest rates , Social Security Institution ( SGK ) premiums , and tax burdens threaten the future of the sector, and urged swift action for the upcoming season.

"The most difficult period of recent years"

Making assessments on the impact of current developments in Turkey and the world on tourism, ETHİK President Mehmet İşler argued that the tourism sector in Turkey is experiencing one of the most challenging periods in recent years. Mehmet İşler , stating that comprehensive restructuring has become essential, said, "The Turkish tourism sector is experiencing one of the most challenging periods in recent years. High interest rates, rising energy and personnel costs, social security premiums, and tax burdens are seriously straining hotel profitability. The sector urgently needs comprehensive restructuring to survive under this pressure. Occupancy rates are high in many regions. However, businesses are buckling under cost pressure. Energy , food , beverage , labor , maintenance , and financing costs have increased dramatically over the last two years. Interest rates have made investment nearly impossible. There is occupancy, but no profitability. This is unsustainable. The sector must now transition to a model based on efficiency, digitalization, and energy conservation. Every business must establish a culture of savings, planning, and efficiency within itself, and reexamine all processes, from energy management and personnel planning to purchasing and digital marketing. The era of 'just being full' is over. We need to transition to an era of profitable occupancy."

"SGK premiums, taxes and fees are the heaviest burden"

İşler, arguing that social security premiums, taxes, and local fees have become the heaviest burden on hoteliers, said, "There is an urgent need for a tourism reform implemented jointly by the state and private sector. Permanent adjustments to the interest burden, social security premiums, withholding tax , VAT , and accommodation tax must be made without delay. This is a necessity not only for tourism professionals but also for the Turkish economy. Early action is necessary; preparations for the 2026 season must begin today. A structural transformation is now essential for the sector to breathe. Otherwise, many facilities will not be able to survive the upcoming season."