TÜROB President Müberra Eresin's statement on the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook...

Association of Turkish Hoteliers (TÜROB) President Müberra Eresin made a written statement regarding the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook. Eresin's statement is as follows: "Like all holiday destinations around the world, it is a very significant and equally negative development for Türkiye. It will have a negative impact especially on hotels in the Southern Aegean and Antalya. Thomas Cook had charter flights to these areas and was carrying out more intensive accommodation in these regions. Winter operations will also be negatively affected. In particular, tourists coming for golf were using Thomas Cook charters. However, we believe there is no need to create an atmosphere of panic. It is best to stay calm. It is stated that the British government has stepped in to resolve the problems of the British guests currently in Türkiye. The hotels are continuing to host their guests in any case. We have around 45,000 guests in this regard. As also noted in the statement made by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, all payments of British tourists are under the guarantee of ATOL, that is, the British public authority. This guarantee covers those who are currently on holiday and will return to their country. In other words, the airfare and accommodation fees in package tours are protected by ATOL and will be paid over time. Our Ministry of Culture and Tourism also has a credit support effort for hotels that are owed money. Therefore, our member hotels will continue to host their guests and will not request payment from the guests. We are following the process closely as well."