Bayındır: Abolishing the Ministry would be a wrong decision

Türkiye Otelciler Birliği (TÜROB) President Timur Bayındır made a statement following reports in the press that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism would be abolished. Arguing that a decision in this direction would be a wrong one, Bayındır said, “The Ministry must continue, with an even stronger structure.” Stating that “The Ministry of Culture and Tourism must be restructured taking into account the needs of the sector, and sector representation must be ensured at the highest level in all decision-making processes affecting the economy and the sector, primarily the Economic Coordination Council,” Bayındır expressed the following views:

“The foreign exchange revenue our country earns from the tourism sector stands at approximately 26.2 billion dollars. Tourism, one of Türkiye's largest sectors, must be addressed specifically. Our goal in tourism is ambitious. In 2018, we anticipate reaching 40 million visitors and 32 billion dollars in tourism revenue. By 2023, we will comfortably exceed 50 million tourists and 50 billion dollars in tourism revenue. The restructuring of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, its representation at the highest level, and its being effective and authoritative in decision-making processes will make it easier for us to reach these goals. We wish for a much stronger ministry with expanded powers.”