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Booking.com, one of the world's largest online travel booking platforms, could resume hotel reservations in Türkiye under a draft tourism bill expected to be submitted to Parliament, according to the report.
The proposed legislation would establish the legal basis for the platform to once again offer booking services for accommodation facilities across the country after nearly nine years of restrictions imposed following a court ruling over unfair competition and regulatory compliance issues.
The nine-article proposal, prepared by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) in line with requests from the Culture and Tourism Ministry, is expected to be presented to the Turkish Grand National Assembly, CNBC-e reported.
One of its key provisions focuses on lifting restrictions that have prevented Booking.com from accepting reservations for hotels in Türkiye.
If the bill becomes law, Booking.com would be able to restart reservation services for accommodation facilities in the country, opening the door for its return to the Turkish tourism market under a new legal framework.
The proposal is expected to be submitted to parliament on Friday, the report added. If lawmakers approve it, the timeline for Booking.com's renewed operations in Türkiye is expected to become clearer once the legislative process is completed.
Booking.com is not fully blocked in Türkiye. Users can still access its website and mobile application to book hotels abroad, but reservations for accommodation within Türkiye remain unavailable due to the existing restriction.
The restriction dates back to 2017, when a Turkish court suspended Booking.com's domestic operations in a case brought by the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB).
The court found that the company had engaged in unfair competition, operated without meeting certain tax and licensing requirements in Türkiye, and avoided regulatory oversight.
Amsterdam-based Booking.com has grown into one of the world's largest online travel platforms since its founding in 1996.
According to its website, the platform operates in more than 220 countries and territories, offering more than 31 million accommodation listings across over 175,000 destinations, including 8.4 million homes, apartments and other alternative accommodation properties.
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