Tourism in Turkey witnessed numerous turmoils in 2016. In June’16, terrorist bombing in the Ataturk Airport of Istanbul killed 40 travellers and injured hundreds. On July 17, at least 161 people were killed in a thwarted military coup in Istanbul, where over 1400 people got wounded. About 50,000 Brit tourists were visiting the country during the military coup. The spine chilling incidents already scared thousands of British tourists to cancel their holiday plans to Turkey.
Numerous travel agents informed that worried tourists were calling to cancel plans to visit Turkey after watching shocking footage on the television.
Some of the operators were giving the tourists the chance to cancel their bookings but several others chose not to cancel any booking for the fear of monetary loss.
Abta spokesperson informed that operators like Thomson and Thomas Cook were offering the holidaymakers to change or cancel their plans during the weekend but the offers varied from operators to operators. She also informed that operators would decide terms and conditions of their bookings unless the Foreign Office advice any changes.
The Government stated on 16th July that the situation in Turkey was appearing to be calming and they also stated that the coastal resorts were not affected significantly.
The Association of British Insurers informed, “Holidaymakers that are affected should speak to their tour operator, travel agent and air carrier in the first instance. Travel insurance is primarily in place to cover the cost of emergency medical treatment and is not designed to cover disinclination to travel.”
The British Airways cancelled their flights to Turkey on Saturday, 16th July. But they resumed their services on 17th July to bring the stranded holidaymakers home. EasyJet, United Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Thomas Cook were also ferrying disturbed traveler out of Turkey. Among the stranded visitors, several were mere kids.
Itir Sokmen of North London’s Harringay based travel agency Tulip Holidays stated that dozens of people called them to delay their flights or cancel them.
Over 2.5 million Britons choose to travel to Turkey every year. The recent incidents suggest that Brit tourists are going to face a really difficult time if they have already paid for their trips to Turkey. Some of them might have to endure financial losses.
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