Legal Protocol
TurkDMC Terms and Conditions for Bespoke Travel Design
The legal framework governing our atelier, our client relationships, and the separation between design curation and ground execution.
Scope of Our Bespoke Travel Design Protocol
These TurkDMC terms and conditions govern every engagement between our atelier and clients who request bespoke travel design and curation within Turkey. By submitting a private brief or entering into a design agreement, you acknowledge that TurkDMC operates exclusively as a travel designer and curator. We do not handle travelers directly. We do not process payments for ground services. We do not operate vehicles, vessels, or accommodation units.
Our role is to architect private itineraries, select experiences, and curate access to sites, properties, and specialists. All subsequent bookings, transfers, payments, and on-ground logistics are executed by licensed TURSAB partner agencies operating under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey. This separation is not administrative. It is a structural pillar of our legal and operational model. Learn more about our atelier philosophy and the principles behind this distinction.
The Distinction Between Design and Execution
What TurkDMC Designs
We design and curate the following elements for your private journey: itinerary architecture, site selection, timing protocols, accommodation curation, specialist accompaniment, and experience sequencing. These deliverables are presented as a design package. The package includes recommendations, access coordinates, and logistical frameworks. It does not include the actual procurement of services.
What Partner Agencies Execute
All ground execution is handled by third-party operators who hold active TURSAB licenses. This includes hotel reservations, domestic flights, vehicle transfers, yacht charters, guide services, restaurant bookings, and activity payments. These partners issue their own invoices, terms, and cancellation policies. TurkDMC facilitates the introduction and coordinates the design intent. We do not assume liability for operational execution. Clients retain direct legal recourse with the executing partner for any service-level disputes.
Booking, Payment, and Cancellation Terms
Design Fees and Consultation Costs
Our design fees are quoted per project based on complexity, party size, duration, and access requirements. These fees cover the curation phase only. They do not cover ground costs, accommodation, or third-party services. A deposit is required to initiate the design process. The deposit is non-refundable once research and site coordination have commenced. Final design fees are due upon delivery of the completed itinerary package.
Cancellation and Refund Protocol
If you cancel the design engagement after delivery but before ground execution begins, the design fee is not refundable. Ground service refunds are governed by the individual policies of our TURSAB partner agencies and the specific hotels, operators, or vessel owners involved. We do not control these refund timelines. We will communicate partner policies clearly during the design phase so you can make informed decisions. For questions about a specific bespoke service, contact our atelier before committing.
Liability, Insurance, and Legal Recourse
Operational Liability and TURSAB Coverage
TurkDMC carries professional liability insurance for our design and advisory services. We do not carry operational liability for ground services. Every TURSAB partner agency is required by law to maintain their own insurance for transport, maritime, and hospitality operations. We verify these policies during our partner selection process. However, clients must understand that legal recourse for on-ground incidents lies with the executing operator and their insurer, not with TurkDMC.
Force Majeure and Unforeseen Circumstances
Neither TurkDMC nor our partner agencies are liable for delays, cancellations, or itinerary changes caused by force majeure events. These include but are not limited to: adverse weather, natural disasters, political instability, strikes, pandemic restrictions, or site closures ordered by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. In such cases, we will architect alternative arrangements where feasible. Additional costs arising from force majeure are the responsibility of the client.
Client Responsibilities and Conduct
Clients are responsible for providing accurate information regarding health conditions, mobility requirements, dietary restrictions, and travel documentation. We design protocols based on the data you provide. Inaccurate information may compromise safety or access. Clients must also respect local laws, site regulations, and the instructions of licensed guides and security personnel. Failure to comply may result in termination of services without refund.
Travelers are required to hold valid passports, visas, and any mandatory health documentation. TurkDMC does not process visa applications. We may advise on requirements, but the responsibility for obtaining and verifying documentation rests with the client.
Privacy and Data Protection
We collect only the information necessary to design your itinerary and coordinate with partner agencies. This includes names, contact details, passport information, and preferences. Data is shared only with the licensed operators required to fulfill your protocol. We do not sell client data. We do not use your information for marketing without explicit consent. All data handling complies with Turkish law and international privacy norms.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of Turkey. Any dispute arising from the design services provided by TurkDMC shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Istanbul, Turkey. Disputes related to ground services must be directed to the relevant TURSAB partner agency and are subject to their governing terms and local jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Terms
Does TurkDMC handle payments for hotels and transfers?
No. TurkDMC designs your itinerary and curates the experiences. All payments for ground services, including hotels and transfers, are processed by licensed TURSAB partner agencies. These agencies issue their own invoices and handle financial transactions directly. TurkDMC does not hold or process client funds for third-party services.
What happens if a guide or vessel operator cancels?
Cancellations by third-party operators are managed by the executing partner agency, not TurkDMC. We will architect alternative arrangements where possible, but we do not control partner availability or staffing. The cancellation and refund policies of the specific operator or hotel apply in all cases.
Is my design fee refundable if I cancel the trip?
Design fees are non-refundable once research and coordination have commenced. This covers the intellectual and logistical work invested in curating your protocol. Ground service refunds depend entirely on the policies of individual hotels, vessel owners, and operators.
Who do I contact for legal issues during my journey?
For operational issues during your journey, contact the executing TURSAB partner agency directly. For design-related concerns, contact our atelier. We maintain clear separation between design and execution so you always know which entity holds responsibility.
