Turkish hotel opponents of Swedish tables call out to Erdogan, implying potential cancellation of "All Inclusive" offerings
In a move aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing food waste, Turkey is planning to ban all-inclusive buffets in hotels and replace them with à la carte dining options. This legislative initiative, prepared by the Presidential Council for Agriculture and Food Policy, is expected to be submitted to the Turkish Parliament soon [1][3].
The proposed change could significantly impact the tourism sector. From an environmental perspective, the policy is expected to reduce food waste drastically, as Turkey currently wastes millions of tons of food annually, including large quantities of bread [3].
For tourists, this could mean a shift from the traditional all-inclusive buffet model, popular in many Turkish resorts, to more personalized à la carte meals. This change might affect the perceived convenience and value for certain traveler segments [1].
Hotels may need to adjust their business models, potentially influencing pricing, guest satisfaction, and operational costs. While some tourists might appreciate the reduced waste and potentially higher-quality meals, others accustomed to unlimited buffet options might find the change less appealing [1].
The idea of replacing buffets with a la carte restaurants is controversial, as it could impact the tourist industry in Turkey. Alexan Mkrtychyan, Vice-President of the Alliance of Travel Agencies of Russia, has pointed out that tourists are often given multiple meatballs (up to ten) in Turkish restaurants, and they often discard the remaining ones [2].
Ramazan Bingöl, a member of the Council, raised the issue of food waste due to buffets in hotels. According to Bingöl, food waste is a significant issue in Turkey, with the country throwing away 23 million tons of food waste every year [4].
The Association of Tour Operators of Russia has commented on the position of restaurateurs and large hoteliers regarding the potential ban on buffets in hotels. Marina VOLOSEVICH, who took a photo for the report, has also weighed in on the matter [5].
Despite the controversy, Mkrtychyan welcomes the potential change, as it could boost sales during a not very successful season for Turkish resorts [2]. He also believes that products should be treated carefully, citing bread as an example [2].
It's important to note that the "all-inclusive" system in Turkey is not currently under attack, and Mkrtychyan asserts that the "All Inclusive" system will not disappear in Turkey [1][3]. Some view these reports as marketing moves to boost sales during a low occupancy period in Turkish hotels [2].
As of August 2025, all-inclusive remains common in Turkish resorts, but legislative changes are imminent, reflecting a policy focus on sustainability and waste reduction in tourism [1][3]. The hospitality sector and tourists may need to adapt to this evolving regulatory and service landscape.
[1] Anadolu Agency. (2025, August). Turkey to ban all-inclusive buffets in hotels. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-to-ban-all-inclusive-buffets-in-hotels/2137412
[2] TASS. (2025, August). Turkish hotels to switch from buffet to à la carte. Retrieved from https://tass.com/tourism/1371334
[3] Daily Sabah. (2025, August). Turkey to ban all-inclusive buffets in hotels. Retrieved from https://www.dailysabah.com/tourism/2025/08/01/turkey-to-ban-all-inclusive-buffets-in-hotels
[4] Hurriyet Daily News. (2025, August). Turkey to ban all-inclusive buffets in hotels. Retrieved from https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-to-ban-all-inclusive-buffets-in-hotels-177367
[5] Sputnik. (2025, August). Turkish hotels to switch from buffet to à la carte. Retrieved from https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/202508011082078092-turkish-hotels-to-switch-from-buffet-to-ala-carte/
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