Turkey has announced the launch of a “Safe Tourism Certification Programme” for tourism employees to ensure the health and well-being of both facility personnel and guests, both local and foreign, in conjunction with The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, The Ministry of Health and Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA). The Programme has been launched within the scope of the “Safe Tourism Certification Programme” to welcome international travelers for the upcoming tourist season and to ensure that the health and safety of tourism employees and its residents remain Turkey’s utmost priority.
Following the opening of the tourism season, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has included tourism sector employees into the vaccination programme in order to ensure that the tourism services in the country remain open throughout the year. An online platform has been launched on which tourism facilities can register their employees for the vaccination programme and this has been meticulously carried out in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour.
Within the scope of the programme, all key players of the tourism industry are included: employees of accommodation facilities, restaurants, tour guides, transfer vehicles and travel agencies who are registered under the “Safe Tourism Certification Programme” will be vaccinated. Official representatives of touristic facilities are also able to register their current employees.
As part of the continuing effort in the fight against COVID-19 and to further enhance its position as one of the world’s safest destinations, Turkey is continuing to invest in the “Safe Tourism Certification Programme” which is one of the first in the world. The Country has expanded the scope of the practice and has made it compulsory for accommodation facilities with 30 or more rooms. Currently, more than 8,000 facilities have been certified.
As Turkey is expecting a V-shaped recovery in touristic travels, the tourism workforce has been prioritised, second only to the frontliners. Turkey is taking all necessary measures to make sure it remains a healthy and safe tourism destination in 2021 and will be one of the top choices for a safe travel option for international travelers.
