Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has announced plans to close 17% of the country’s hotels after inspections revealed non-compliance with tourist facility standards. This decision follows the deadly fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in a ski resort, which led to the deaths of 76 people.
The Ministry’s move will affect 4,380 hotels that have failed to meet tourist requirements over the past three years. Among the most affected cities are Istanbul, Izmir, and Sakarya. Istanbul will see the closure of 767 hotels, Izmir 515, and Sakarya 499.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that hotels comply with regulations set out in the Tourism Promotion Law. Amendments made in 2021 and 2023 require that hotels with business licenses from local municipalities and provincial administrations obtain a tourism business license within six months. Hotels that fail to meet this deadline will face closure.
In total, there are 25,908 tourist facilities in Turkey. Nearly 17% of these establishments have been identified as non-compliant and will be shut down as part of the ongoing inspections. The closures are being carried out by local municipalities and special provincial administrations, which are responsible for issuing business and operational licenses.
One of the areas impacted is Kaleici, a popular neighborhood in Antalya, known for its appeal to foreign tourists. Several hotels there have been closed due to violations, including operating without proper licenses. Muratpasa Municipality head Umit Uysal confirmed that inspections are conducted in coordination with other departments, including fire safety officials.
The Turkish government’s decision to close these hotels follows the tragic fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in early January 2025, which caused significant loss of life. The fire prompted a review of safety standards in hotels across the country. As a result, authorities have taken a firmer stance on ensuring that hotels meet necessary safety standards and regulations.
