Warning to consumers who buy tour packages from the Ministry of Commerce

The Ministry of Commerce made a written statement on things citizens should pay attention to during package tours and hotel stays.

In the statement, it was indicated that the accuracy of the images of the facilities, corporate logos and signs in the content of the offer received through communication channels such as social networks, text messages or email should be questioned to avoid keep consumers going. vacation from being victimized.

Underlining that it is necessary to check whether the preferred tourist facility is registered with public institutions and organizations, the statement said: “In this context, consumers should check whether travel agencies and tourist facilities are certified and how many stars they have on www.kulturturizm .gov.tr ​​​​and www.tursab.org They can consult at the addresses tr.”

‘YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE’

It was also emphasized that it was necessary to verify that the address, position and contact information are included in the travel agency or tourist establishment websites, especially in contracts signed by remote route, and that the websites are registered. in ETBIS (electronic service business information system).

“Prefer the travel agency’s own website instead of buying through social networks; Payments must be taken into account.”

The statement continued as follows:

“Especially in package tours, as a result of making reservations well in advance of the start date, consumers are unable to attend the trips they planned in advance due to some problems experienced in the normal flow of life. In such cases, consumers have the right to withdraw from the package travel contract.

Consequently, the consumer has the right to terminate the package trip contract and receive a refund of the price of the package trip without any deduction, except legal obligations such as tax liability, provided that they notify it at least thirty days before the start of the trip. combined. tour, in writing or with permanent data storage.

If the notification of resolution is made less than thirty days before the start of the combined trip, a certain amount or rate may be deducted, provided that this is established in the combined trip contract.

FUSE WARNING

On the other hand, without prejudice to the provisions of Law No. 1618 on Travel Agencies and the Association of Travel Agencies regarding compulsory insurance, the organizer of the combined trip is responsible for the damages that the consumer may incur for the total or partial non-performance of the contract. properly.

The consumer can also claim adequate compensation for lost vacation time. In addition, it is considered that the application of discretionary insurance offered to consumers by various travel agencies, which allows the cancellation of package travel reservations or hotel accommodation during a certain period of time before the start of the reservation, is considered to benefit our consumers. . .

‘YOU MAY APPLY TO THE CONSUMER REVIEW BOARD’

Within the scope of Law No. 6502, two institutions have been authorized to resolve individual consumer conflicts: consumer arbitration commissions and consumer courts.

If consumers become victims due to companies’ practices, they can apply to the consumer arbitration committee for disputes worth less than 66,000-TL by 2023, and to the consumer court for disputes above this amount in order to offset their losses.

Provincial consumer arbitration committees under the “Provincial Directorate of Commerce” are authorized within the province limits, and district consumer arbitration committees under the “District Governorate” are authorized within the district limits. In districts where a consumer arbitration committee has not been established, applications may be submitted to the district governor’s office.”