ANKARA – Turkey has enacted a new TL 6 billion social security premium support package for the tourism industry, aiming to protect employment and ease labor costs for accommodation businesses.
The legislation, approved by the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), provides Social Security Institution (SGK) premium support for insured employees working at private accommodation facilities holding a tourism operation certificate issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The scheme will apply to the May–December 2026 period.
Under the new law, eligible employers will receive support calculated by multiplying each employee’s reported premium days by TL 116.67, with the assistance capped at TL 3,500 per employee per month. The total funding allocated for the program amounts to TL 6 billion and will be financed through Turkey’s Unemployment Insurance Fund.
The support will only be available during the months when accommodation facilities are actively operating. Hotels and other lodging establishments that remain closed during the off-season will not qualify for the incentive.
According to the legislation’s rationale, the tourism sector’s labor-intensive nature, seasonal fluctuations, and the impact of recent regional developments have increased pressure on reservations and employment. The measure is intended to help businesses manage rising personnel costs, preserve jobs, and retain skilled workers in the industry.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök