AMID rife speculation that Malaysia may re-impose a third movement control order (MCO 3.0) to stem the rise of COVID-19 infection, Turkey’s latest measure of implementing lockdown without compromising on the welfare of foreign travellers may offer food for thought the local tourism authority.
For the record, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has announced additional restrictions and closures to curb the spread of COVID-19, including a full-time nationwide curfew commencing 7 pm on April 29 and ending at 5 am on May 17 (encompassing weekdays and weekends).
Probably this is not the safest bet but foreign travellers who are in the country for short trips and tourism are exempted from the curfews.
“Foreign visitors will be able to carry out their activities provided that they have their passports with them. Public transportation will continue to operate at 50% capacity,” the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA).
“Major museums and historical sites across nine cities including İstanbul, Antalya, Muğla and Nevşehir (Cappadocia) will be open to foreign visitors during the lockdown.”
During the lockdown, accommodation facilities will continue to serve their customers including the dining facilities inside hotels. Other dining facilities such as restaurants and cafés will continue to operate only for delivery and take-away services.
“Until the end of Ramadan (May 13), dining establishments such as restaurants, patisseries, cafés, and cafeterias will be available for 24/7 delivery services only,” noted TGA. “After this date, they will be available for delivery services until 1 am only.”
In order to enhance position as one of the world’s safest destinations, Turkey is continuing to invest in the ‘Safe Tourism Certification Programme’ which is one of the first and most successful examples in the world in this field, according to TGA.
The ”Safe Tourism” certificate has been made mandatory for accommodation facilities with 30 or more rooms since Jan 1.
Up to now, 9,236 facilities have been certified. Moreover, Turkey has rolled out a tourism employee vaccination registration programme for tourism employees in coordination with its Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Health and TGA.
“The programme has been launched within the scope of ‘Safe Tourism Certification Programme’ to welcome foreign visitors for the upcoming tourism season and to ensure the health and safety of tourism employees and its residents.” TGA pointed out.
“Vaccination of the tourism employees will be completed before the beginning of 2021 summer season.”
By taking all actions to ensure that Turkey remains a safe and a healthy tourism destination in 2021, the country expects to secure its position as a top choice for safe travel option among foreign travellers. – May 3, 2021
