Booking.com returns to global market after 9 years

THE NEWS: Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has begun collecting signatures for a Culture and Tourism Ministry‑backed regulation that would permit Booking.com to restart domestic bookings, ending a nine‑year ban after the platform was suspended in 2017 over tax evasion and unfair‑competition rulings.

DETAILS:

WHY IT MATTERS: Restoring Booking.com’s domestic operations could increase competition in Turkey’s online travel sector, give Turkish travelers more booking options, and boost overall e‑tourism sales by re‑engaging a widely used platform.

FAQ

What regulation is the AKP seeking to introduce for Booking.com in Turkey?
The AKP is collecting signatures for a new regulation backed by the Culture and Tourism Ministry that would allow Booking.com to resume domestic booking services, ending its previous ban.

Why was Booking.com suspended from domestic bookings in Turkey?
Booking.com was suspended in 2017 after court rulings found it liable for tax evasion and unfair competition, restricting it to only international reservations for Turkish users.

What services does Booking.com currently offer to Turkish users?
Currently, Booking.com serves Turkish users solely for international travel reservations, lacking the ability to handle domestic bookings within Turkey.

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