How Will Coronavirus and Tourism Coexist? Turkey has been handling the fight against the coronavirus effectively and continues to manage the situation. With progress made, questions have arisen about how and when normalization will begin across different sectors. Action plans are being prepared, led by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which announced that certification will be issued for hotels and transfer vehicles. The certification program covers every detail, from hotel lobbies and guest rooms to staff training, buffets and restaurants.
As the expected tourist season approaches, many people are asking how travel and tourism will work together with coronavirus precautions. Tourism activities that were paused due to the outbreak have begun to resume under normalization measures, but the sector will not return to its previous routines. Hotels will measure guests’ temperatures on arrival and provide masks. Social distancing will be enforced in lobbies and restaurants. All-inclusive properties will keep buffets, but food will be served from behind protective glass by staff rather than self-service. On beaches, sunbeds will be spaced 1.5 meters apart.
What Regulations Will Be Applied to Hotels Because of Coronavirus?
Following the temporary suspension of hotel operations, new regulations have been introduced to allow hotels to resume services safely as part of the normalization process. Below we outline how hotel operations and service procedures are expected to function under these measures.
Hotels Will Maintain 60% Occupancy Limits
According to the new measures in the tourism sector, transfer vehicles will carry disinfectant and side seats will remain empty. Hotels will operate with a maximum occupancy of 60%. Masks will be provided to arriving guests and their temperatures will be measured at check-in. Reception areas will have marked social distancing lines. Hotels will display multilingual coronavirus warning signs and provide hand sanitizer at frequently used points throughout the facility.
Rooms Will Remain Vacant for 12 Hours After Guests Check Out
High-touch surfaces in public areas—door handles, touchscreens, control panels, counters, break rooms and cafés—will be regularly disinfected and documented. Seating in lobbies and waiting areas will be reduced to minimize crowding. Social distancing markers will be placed throughout the property. In-room items such as kettles and remote controls will be disinfected after each guest checks out. Rooms will be left empty for 12 hours between guests, and housekeeping staff will use personal protective equipment when cleaning.
Hotels Will Provide Quarantine Areas
Hotels will designate quarantine areas for emergencies. If a guest presents with fever, persistent coughing or other concerning symptoms, they will be isolated in a dedicated space. Staff will be equipped with protective clothing to limit transmission risk, and employees will receive training on pandemic protocols and response.
Buffets Will Continue but Food Will Be Served Behind Protective Panels
Hand sanitizer stations will be available at restaurant entrances. Social distancing markers will control queues, and tables will be arranged at least 1.5 meters apart. Shared self-service equipment such as tea, coffee and water dispensers will be removed. Condiments and cutlery will be provided in single-use packages. In all-inclusive hotels, buffet foods will be placed behind glass panels and served to guests by staff rather than through self-service.
Social Distancing Will Be Enforced on Beaches
Pools, sunbeds and seating areas will follow social distancing rules. Chlorine levels in outdoor pools will be maintained at approximately 1–3 ppm and indoor pools at 1–1.5 ppm. Visible signage will list pool rules guests must follow before entering. Fitness centers and spas will remain closed for this season.
Following the holiday period, domestic flights will resume and work is underway to restart international flights after June 12. The Ministry of Transport has prioritized reopening the most critical routes, with initial international services expected from Germany and Russia. Flights will operate from airports assessed as lower-risk and will be run on a limited basis.