What is “The Tourism Encouragement Law?”

The basic purpose of this law is to make certain that the required arrangements are made and the necessary measures are taken for the regulation and development of the tourism sector for giving this sector a vigorous structure and mode of operation. Basically, this law consists of provisions or requirements governing the tourism sector, including definitions of cultural tourism preservations and development regions, tourism centers and tourism areas.

The law proposes the encouragement and development of these regions, areas or centers and of regulation and inspection of tourism investments and facilities. It gives utmost importance to the preservation and utilization of these resources in the interest of public. State owned and controlled sites may be operated in accordance with the tourism laws and the land use plans. Other structures, buildings and facilities may also be constructed and operated subject to the prior permission of ministry in state-owned and controlled sites, provided that such structures shall not disrupt the natural and cultural features of the region, or harm tourist enterprises and they should conform to the land use plan.

Sea, lakes, streams and their banks should not be operated in such a way that it spoils or destroys their characteristics. The exploitation of these resources for example, through the removal of sand, gravel and rocks shall be conditional upon obtaining the permission from Ministry. Sites where investments are presently preferred such as Dalyan, Tarsus, Didim, Antalya, Istanbul and other 160 tourist centers have been designated under this law in addition to the large numbers already under progress.

According to the law, a whole new region or an entire lot of it may be allocated to a main investor. In this case the permission is endorsed by a council of ministers and a pre-permission is given to such an investor by the ministry. Upon the approval of the project, the ministry will grant a full permission. Investors will be determined by an open tender notice and will get self-governing construction privileges in the designated sites or regions. This right allows the investors to secure a mortgage from more favorable international markets.

Further provisions in the law include:

• Allocation of public land for tourism investments to investors.
• Permission or authorization to employ foreign personnel and arts.
• Discounts on water, gas and electricity charges.
• Tax, fee exceptions and duty such as VAT and customs duty.
• To get preferences in allocations such as phone, fax or telex lines.

Well, the above are some of the provisions and features of the Tourism Encouragement law.