Volkan Kantarcı, the Eastern Black Sea Regional President of TÜRSAB, stated that while it is normal to increase the foreign departure fee, a four or fivefold or even tenfold increase would be inappropriate. Kantarcı reminded that the fee has not been increased in the past two years and pointed out that such practices are rare globally and are usually managed through different methods.
Debate on Foreign Departure Fee: Suggestions from Kantarcı
Volkan Kantarcı noted that there have been frequent reports on social media and in the press about the increase in the foreign departure fee, but the Revenue Administration has not made a clear statement on the matter yet. Kantarcı emphasized that while an increase in the foreign departure fee could be considered normal, excessive hikes would not be appropriate.
Criticism and Suggestions on Fee Practices from Kantarcı
Kantarcı pointed out that there are few countries worldwide that implement a foreign departure fee, and in those countries, the fee practices differ from those in Turkey. Citing examples from Australia, Japan, the UK, and Germany, he indicated that Turkey’s practice is different and higher. Kantarcı highlighted that applying the same fee at land border crossings is a significant mistake and stated that changes should be made in this regard.
A Fair and Balanced Approach Needed in Foreign Departure Fee
Kantarcı suggested that the foreign departure fee should be regulated differently for air and land routes. He proposed that for air travel, the fee could be added to the plane ticket, while for land travel, there could be a fixed and reasonable fee. He stressed that high increases could negatively impact the tourism sector and citizens, emphasizing that such changes should be made at the beginning of the year.
Reaction from the Tourism Sector to High Fee Increases
Volkan Kantarcı, Eastern Black Sea Regional President of TÜRSAB, stated that potential high increases would have negative impacts on the tourism sector. He expressed the need for opinions from Chambers of Commerce and Industry, TOBB, and tourism sector associations on the issue. Kantarcı noted that high increases could adversely affect citizens’ vacation plans and the tourism sector.
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