Turkey Eyeing Tax-free Tourist Zones along Aegean Coast

Photo: GTP

Aiming to attract all the more tourists to its shores, Turkey is examining the creation of tax-free tourist zones, Turkey’s Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci said.

According to Turkish media, Mr Zeybekci said his ministry was jointly working with the Tourism and Forest & Water Management ministries examining the creation of a zero tax regime at marinas, hotels, entertainment venues, shops, restaurants and other businesses, with a primary focus on attracting vacationers interested in cruising and yachting. 

Mostly focusing on coastal destinations opposite the Greek isles of Rhodes, Kos, Chios and Samos, Turkey plans to institute tax-free status to popular tourist locations. Holidaymakers will not be charged tax on tourism-related products such as goods and services, accommodation and purchases at shopping centers. Turkish nationals, meanwhile, will have to show a passport upon arrival and charged duties as foreseen.

Among the destinations set out in the government plan are Çeşme, opposite Chios, Didim across from Samos, Bodrum facing Kos, Marmaris, opposite Rhodes and other areas west of Antalya.

Mr Zeybekci said the duty-free areas will contribute greatly to the competitiveness of Turkey’s tourism product in the Mediterranean and the Aegean, and added that once determining the zone, the government will invite private investors to bid for management and operation rights.