TÜRSAB Application Process

What is TÜRSAB?

The Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, commonly referred to as TÜRSAB, was founded pursuant to Law No. 1618, enacted on September 28, 1972. As the statutory body governing all matters related to the inception and operation of travel agencies, TÜRSAB embodies the characteristics of a public professional organization as delineated in Article 135 of the Turkish Constitution.

TÜRSAB’s mandate, as articulated in Article 32 of Law No. 1618, is to implement strategies that foster the growth of the travel agency profession in a way that benefits the national economy and tourism sector, while upholding professional ethics and solidarity. Established in 1972, TÜRSAB has consistently pursued these objectives.

Membership in TÜRSAB is compulsory for entities initiating a travel agency business. The organization aims to augment the Turkish tourism industry, crucial to the travel agency sector and its functions.

Consumers making complaints against travel agencies can seek redress from TÜRSAB, which assures expedited resolutions. TÜRSAB performs both managerial and regulatory functions, guaranteeing that travel agencies maintain a defined standard of service quality. Additionally, through its regional executive boards, TÜRSAB undertakes diverse projects in the nation’s major tourism hubs.

How Does the TÜRSAB Application Process Work?

In Turkey, becoming a member of TÜRSAB is a prerequisite for obtaining the status of a travel agency. The process involves several steps, starting with an application to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (the “Ministry”) by the entity seeking a “Travel Agency Operating Certificate” (“Certificate”). Upon finding the application satisfactory, the Ministry informs the applicant, who must then submit the requisite documents to TÜRSAB within thirty (30) days.

Applicants fulfilling TÜRSAB membership requirements are obliged to participate in an orientation session on TÜRSAB’s functions, especially tailored for new agencies. Upon completing these steps, TÜRSAB renders an advisory opinion to the Ministry. With the Ministry’s endorsement, an Official Approval is formulated, culminating in the Certificate’s issuance and registration with TÜRSAB, thereby formalizing the membership and conferring the entity with travel agency status. Undertaking travel agency operations without the Certificate incurs penal consequences under Law No. 1618.

The failure to apply to TÜRSAB within thirty (30) days following the Ministry’s endorsement of the “Agency” designation, or to finalize the necessary documents or actions within thirty (30) days after TÜRSAB’s notification, or the submission of fraudulent documents or declarations, will lead to the application’s revocation.

Why is TÜRSAB Application Necessary?

According to Section 4 of the second part of the Travel Agencies Association Regulation, under Law No. 1618, “Every entity establishing a travel agency must become a member of the professional organization with public institution status, namely the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, abbreviated as TÜRSAB.”

As evidenced by the aforementioned regulation, TÜRSAB is an essential organization for every business at the stage of establishing a travel agency.

Travel Agencies: Groups and Their Differences

Travel agencies are classified into three main groups based on the services they offer: Group A, Group B, and Group C. Group A travel agencies provide all travel agency services. Group B travel agencies sell tickets for tours organized by Group A travel agencies and for international land, sea, and air transportation. Group C travel agencies organize domestic tours exclusively for Turkish citizens.