For the hospitality industry, this tragedy highlights the urgent need for stricter safety regulations, particularly in high-risk tourism areas like ski resorts. Fire safety measures, including functioning alarms, sprinklers, and escape routes, must be non-negotiable. Resorts and hotels should be held accountable for ensuring guest and staff safety at all times, especially when hosting international visitors who place their trust in local standards.
The incident also calls attention to the importance of regulatory compliance—businesses must adhere to licensing and inspection guidelines to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
In the early hours of the morning, tragedy struck the Uludağ Kervansaray Hotel in Turkiye , a popular destination at the top of the Uludağ ski resort. The devastating fire, which left two dead and 12 hospitalized, has sparked outrage and concern in the Turkish tourism industry, particularly given that the hotel had been denied a tourism business license just weeks before the disaster. As fire crews battled the flames, the incident unfolded into one of the worst hotel fires in recent Turkish history.
The victims, Yahya Usta, 57, and his son, Berkin Usta, 25, both national skiing champions, were among those who tragically lost their lives in the blaze. Their untimely deaths have stunned the Turkish ski community, with the Turkish Ski and Snowboard Teachers Association paying tribute to the family’s legacy in the sport. The fire, which left the hotel completely gutted, raised immediate concerns about the safety standards at the resort, particularly in light of the rejection of its tourism business license earlier this year.
A Resort with a Troubling History
Uludağ Kervansaray Hotel has long been a fixture of the Uludağ ski resort, which attracts thousands of tourists annually. The ski resort is known for its stunning alpine views and excellent winter sports facilities, making it a highly sought-after destination for skiing enthusiasts. However, despite its popularity, the Kervansaray Hotel had been flagged for serious deficiencies by local authorities, including safety concerns.
In January 2025, the hotel was denied a tourism business license, with the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality stating that it was not up to the necessary standards to operate legally. Yet, despite this official decision, the hotel continued to operate, hosting guests and staff—many of whom were ski instructors staying due to the closing of the ski season. The fact that the hotel was still allowed to function after being denied its license has raised significant questions about oversight and accountability in the Turkish tourism industry.
The Fire: A Nightmare Unfolds
The tragic event took place early in the morning when the hotel was still packed with ski instructors and staff members, many of whom were preparing for the end of the ski season. According to reports, the blaze rapidly engulfed the entire hotel, leaving the building completely gutted by the time fire crews arrived on the scene. The intense heat and fast-spreading flames are believed to have been fueled by the hotel’s lack of proper fire safety infrastructure.
In a dramatic video released by local media, the fire appears almost apocalyptic, with flames roaring over the entire structure and smoke billowing into the sky. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours, bringing the situation under control only after more than 100 firefighters were called to the scene. The area around the hotel also suffered extensive fire damage, with the resort grounds left scorched. Despite the heroic efforts of the emergency responders, two lives were lost, and a dozen others suffered injuries, many of whom were transported to local hospitals with severe burns and smoke inhalation.
The Usta Family Tragedy: A Loss to the Skiing Community
The Usta family’s involvement in the Turkish skiing community is well-known. Yahya Usta, 57, a former national skier, had built a distinguished career representing Turkey in the sport. His son, Berkin Usta, 25, had followed in his father’s footsteps, excelling in skiing and representing Turkey at national competitions. Their tragic deaths have sent shockwaves through the Turkish Ski and Snowboard Teachers Association, who expressed their deep sorrow at the loss of two of the sport’s greatest talents.
The fact that both men were caught in the fire has highlighted the risks faced by ski instructors and resort staff who often stay in subpar conditions during the off-season. As many instructors are required to remain at the resort for extended periods, the lack of adequate safety measures in places like the Uludağ Kervansaray Hotel becomes even more concerning.
Municipal Response and Outrage
In the aftermath of the tragedy, local officials, including Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mustafa Bozbey, have faced significant criticism. Mayor Bozbey told Halk TV, in a translated interview, that the hotel had been previously flagged for deficiencies by local authorities and had not been up to the standards required to operate. His statement raised a stark contrast between what local officials knew about the hotel and the fact that it was still open for business.
The Bursa Metropolitan Municipality had, in fact, determined that the hotel was not suitable for operation, and yet it was allowed to continue hosting guests. The situation has raised alarms about the level of regulation in the Turkish tourism industry, particularly in high-risk facilities like ski resorts that cater to both tourists and seasonal workers.
The Investigation: What Went Wrong?
In response to the tragedy, Turkish authorities have launched a full investigation into the fire’s cause. At this point, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, but it is suspected that faulty wiring, poor building materials, or lack of fire exits may have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. Additionally, questions have been raised about the hotel’s fire safety protocols, including whether it had properly functioning fire alarms, sprinklers, or evacuation routes.
The fact that the fire broke out in the early morning hours when many were asleep, adds a further layer of concern. The rapid spread of the fire, combined with the hotel’s deficiencies, suggests that safety regulations may not have been up to standard, and the incident underscores the urgent need for stricter safety standards in the Turkish tourism sector.
The Broader Impact on Uludağ’s Ski Tourism
Uludağ is one of Turkey’s premier ski destinations, attracting both domestic and international visitors. The resort has long been a favorite for winter sports enthusiasts, especially those from Europe and the Middle East. However, this tragic incident has brought international attention to the safety standards at Uludağ’s hotels and resorts.
The fire at the Uludağ Kervansaray Hotel could have a long-lasting impact on the region’s ski tourism industry. With public confidence shaken, tourists may hesitate to visit resorts in the area unless there are significant improvements in fire safety regulations and tourism infrastructure. Resort owners and the Turkish government must act swiftly to address these concerns and ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
Moving Forward: A Call for Stronger Regulations
This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for the Turkish tourism industry, especially as it pertains to resort safety. The lack of enforcement of basic safety regulations at Uludağ Kervansaray Hotel is a stark reminder that tourism facilities must be held to high standards to ensure the safety and well-being of guests and employees alike.
The families of the victims, particularly the Usta family, are likely to push for justice, including potential legal action against the hotel and resort operators. Additionally, the Turkish government will likely face scrutiny over its failure to enforce licensing laws and regulatory oversight in the wake of the incident.
Conclusion: A Tourism Tragedy with Far-Reaching Implications
The devastating fire at the Uludağ Kervansaray Hotel is more than just a tragic loss of life; it is a critical reminder of the importance of safety in the tourism industry. With investigations still ongoing, it remains to be seen whether the resort’s owners or local authorities will face accountability. What is clear, however, is that the entire Turkish ski tourism sector must adopt more stringent safety standards to prevent similar disasters in the future