The Regulation on the Certification of Simple Accommodation Facilities and Beach Operations (“Regulation“) was amended by the Regulation Amending the Regulation on the Certification of Simple Accommodation Facilities and Beach Operations (“Amending Regulation“), published in the Official Gazette No. 33352 dated 26 August 2026. The Amending Regulation introduces a restriction on the transfer of simple accommodation tourism operation certificates, establishes detailed minimum requirements for simple accommodation facilities, and enables Ministry inspectors to take part in the inspection of such facilities. In particular, as the newly introduced minimum requirements will enter into force on 1 November 2026, businesses operating simple accommodation facilities will be required to bring their facilities into compliance with the new standards by this date.
Pursuant to paragraph 8 added to Article 7 of the Regulation by the Amending Regulation, the transfer of a simple accommodation tourism operation certificate has been prohibited, except for transfer through testamentary disposition or inheritance. Accordingly, it will not be possible to transfer the simple accommodation tourism operation certificate to third parties through sale, business transfer, or similar transactions. In case a violation is detected, pursuant to subparagraph (e) of the first paragraph of Article 34 of the Law for the Encouragement of Tourism No. 2634, it will result in the document forming the basis of the operation permit obtained from the relevant institution or organization losing its validity or being canceled. The provision in question entered into force on 26 August 2026.
With Article 8/A added to the Regulation, the minimum qualifications that simple accommodation facilities must satisfy have been regulated in detail for the first time. In this context;
• Having a reception desk at the entrance of facilities with a capacity of 25 rooms or more,
• In case food and beverage service is provided, preserving food supplies under appropriate conditions,
• Maintaining first aid equipment at the facility and employing first aid-certified personnel,
• Regularly carrying out cleaning and maintenance, and conducting regular pest control,
• For facilities with swimming pools, meeting requirements regarding physical pool safety, filtration and disinfection systems, non-slip flooring, children’s pool, pool usage rules (in Turkish and at least 2 foreign languages), and maintaining a certified lifeguard,
• For facilities with recreational pools, employing security-responsible personnel and meeting certain safety standards,
• Maintaining specific minimum equipment and fixtures in bedrooms and bathrooms (In bedrooms, having basic equipment such as standard-compliant beds and textile products, bedside tables or similar arrangements, lighting, natural ventilation, power outlets, trash cans, wardrobes, and curtains; if room doors do not have electronic locks, installing an additional lock system; and meeting specific equipment and safety standards in bathrooms.)
have been made mandatory. Specifically within the scope of the pool regulation, it is stipulated that a separate children’s pool with a maximum depth of 50 cm must be provided. However, for facilities that accept only guests aged 12 and above and notify guests of this policy in advance, the children’s pool requirement will not be sought. Nevertheless, if the facility changes its guest admission policy, the children’s pool must be constructed before this change is implemented. Most of the new minimum qualifications will enter into force on 1 November 2026. Therefore, it is important for businesses to review their current facilities and operations before the specified date and make the necessary physical and administrative arrangements.
With the amendment made to Article 10 of the Regulation, it has been stipulated that inspections of simple accommodation facilities and beach enterprises may be carried out by Ministry controllers, provincial directorate personnel to be authorized by the governorship, and, where necessary, other personnel to be assigned by the governorship. Thus, Ministry controllers have also been explicitly included in the inspection process, paving the way for more effective supervision of the implementation of the new minimum qualifications. In addition, with the amendment made to the first paragraph of Article 10 of the Regulation, it has been explicitly regulated that beach enterprises and simple accommodation facilities are required to satisfy the qualifications stipulated in the Regulation. These provisions entered into force on 26 August 2026.
Sincerely,
Balay, Eryiğit & Erten Attorney Partnership
