Turkey to vaccinate all tourism professionals before end-May

Turkey aims to vaccinate all tourism professionals before the end of May, the country's deputy minister of culture and tourism said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the International Tourism Forum organized virtually by the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB), Nadir Alparslan said Turkey aims to complete the COVID-19 vaccination for tourism professionals before the start of the summer season.

At the beginning of April, the country launched a vaccination campaign for professionals serving in the tourism sector, such as hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, airlines, and buses.

"In order to minimize the negative impact of the virus on tourism, the government carries out a number of works with sector shareholders such as [the launch of the] Safe Tourism Certification program," Alparslan said.

The Safe Tourism Certification, launched in collaboration with Turkey’s Foreign, Culture and Tourism, and Transportation Ministries, covers a broad range of safety measures.

The certificate, issued by international certification institutions, validates the execution of strict health and hygiene requirements at airlines, airports, and other transport facilities, as well as in accommodation outlets and food and beverage venues.