Mehmet Ersoy, the chairman of Etstur, speaking at a press conference yesterday held to promote the recently launched system, said people in Turkey cannot benefit from cheap vacation programs that are offered during early reservation periods. “The lack of institutionalization in Turkish firms prevents workers from knowing their annual vacation time in advance, which would allow them to enjoy attractive options offered if one makes early reservations. However, this system will rid people of possible concerns related to their annual vacation or any other reason,” he said, adding that he hopes the demand for early reservations will increase thanks to the firm’s recently launched early reservation system.
Under the new system, people who make reservations in advance with discounted rates of up to 35 percent and with insurance from Mapfre Genel Sigorta will be able to cancel their trip if necessary. The cost of insurance will be 10 percent of the total price of the vacation, being not less than TL 10. Muhittin Yurt, general manager of Mapfre Genel Sigorta, stated that the system is also something not commonly in use around the world, as it does not require any reason for cancellation.
The firm expects to see a 10 percent increase in the number of early reservations. Ersoy believes that it may take a few years for the system to be widely known, which will eventually increase the popularity of early reservations. Last year 42 percent of reservations for the company were early reservations, a figure which has been increasing over the years. In 2003, early reservations accounted for only 7 percent of the firm’s total reservations. According to Ersoy this figure is estimated to be about 40 percent for Turkey as a whole.
Begun on Monday, 90 percent of reservations for Etstur have been with this new system, Ersoy noted, adding that the remaining 10 percent of reservations are generally made for honeymoons.
