The Deputy Ministry of Tourism notes significant progress in the licensing of hotels and tourist accommodations in its response to the Audit Office’s report. It notes, however, that this long-standing problem has not yet been definitively resolved, as more than 50% of tourist establishments have never submitted a licensing application.

In a statement on Thursday, the Deputy Ministry stated that it intends to comply with the Audit Office’s observations and emphasized that the issue of licensing hotel accommodations has been a problem for nearly three decadesyears, which worsened during the 2014–2018 period due to the massive renovations and expansions of hotel facilities following the urban planning incentives announced in 2013.

According to the Deputy Ministry, during the five-year transitional period provided for by the 2019 legislation, only 43 operating permits were issued, resulting in just 6% of hotels being licensed as of April 2023. To address the situation, a new bill was introduced in 2023, which provided for an extension of the deadline until December 31, 2025, with stricter provisions and interim deadlines, placing particular emphasis on health and safety issues.

As reported, by December 31, 2024, the number of licensed accommodations had risen to 94, accounting for 12.69% of the total, while an additional 146 accommodations (19.7%) obtained the operating certificate required by law. At the same time, according to data recorded in the Audit Office’s report, 23% of hotel accommodations currently hold a full operating license, while 22% operate under a temporary license.

The Deputy Ministry notes that, under the new legislation, all tourist establishments may legally operate until December 31, 2026, provided they hold a building permit for a hotel or tourist accommodation.

However, it points out that a definitive resolution of the issue is hindered by the fact that more than 50% of tourist facilities have never submitted a license application, which is a basic prerequisite for the issuance of the relevant permits.

He adds that consultations have been underway for the past two years with all relevant government agencies, with the aim of definitively resolving the issue and establishing conditions of legality, safety, and equal treatment, while reminders regarding compliance are sent to the hotel industry on a regular basis.

Regarding self-catering accommodations, the Deputy Ministry reports that coordinated efforts since 2023 have led to an increase in registered accommodations from 4,765 in April 2023 to 8,478 on June 29, 2026, representing a 78% increase. Furthermore, it notes that over the past year, inspection staff filed 88 complaints against properties that were operating without being registered in the relevant registry.

Regarding the remaining issues raised in the Audit Office’s report, the Deputy Ministry states that it will address them at a later stage.