Hotels in Turkey are closing en masse before the season: reason.

Inspections of tourist facilities in the Mugla region

In the Mugla region, home to popular resorts Bodrum, Fethiye, and Marmaris, inspections were conducted at 526 tourist facilities in the first quarter of 2025. According to Mugla governor Idris Akbiyik, 248 hotels were closed due to licensing issues and other violations.

Idris Akbiyik noted that another 15 facilities are in the process of closing. Regional authorities are working to ensure safe holidays for local residents and tourists.

According to him, currently less than ¼ of all hotels that previously had a municipal license and received a simple certificate for tourism activities in accommodation from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism have been inspected. In total, there are 2146 such hotels, and inspections are ongoing.

Licensing scandal with hotel operations

The problem with hotel operating licenses was noted by the president of the Bodrum Association of Professional Hotel Managers, Serdar Karjilioglu. A discrepancy between hotels and the requirements of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has led to mass cancellations of permits. The hotelier calls this a scandal and urges for a quick resolution of the situation.

According to hoteliers, lists of closed hotels are not published to avoid impacting sales in case of rectification of violations.

Tourists are refusing Turkey in favor of other cheaper vacation spots. Insiders in the tourism business fear a failure of the summer season in 2025.

After inspections in Mugla's tourist facilities, many violations were discovered, leading to a large number of hotel closures. Licensing issues and non-compliance with the ministry's requirements complicate the situation among hoteliers and may affect the tourist season in Turkey.