Some positive news for tourism in Turkey. Recent stats from Antalya Airport show the number of tourists arriving has risen by 62 percent compared to the same period last year.
The statistics show between January 1st to July 28th, 5.21 million tourists came to Antalya Airport. Of these, over 2 million were Russian. Munir Karaloglu, Antalya’s Governor said that he is confident that the city will now succeed and hit the yearly target of 10 million tourists in 2017. These figures are a welcome boost in confidence for the many struggling businesses involved in tourism throughout Turkey.
Turkey’s tourism revenue rose by 8.7% in the second quarter.
The good news continues with the latest statistics released by the Turkish Statistic Institute. According to data published on July 31st, the countries tourism revenue shows recovery during the second quarter of 2017. The figure standing at $5.4 billion, an 8.7 percent increase year-on-year.
The UK lifts flight ban on electronic devices on Turkish and Pegasus Airlines from Istanbul and Izmir Airports.
The Independent ran an article on July 27th saying that the UK has now lifted the ban on electronic devices being used on board aircraft heading to the UK from Istanbul and Izmir. They state, “Passengers flying from either of the two Istanbul airports, Ataturk and Sabia Gokcen, or from Izmir, will now be able to carry laptops, tablets and accessories into the cabin to the UK – but only if flying with Turkish Airlines or Pegasus.” Simon Calder reports that the authorities are lifting bans on a case by case basis when they are confident that adequate security measures are in place. With staff here at Oceanwide Properties having travelled to the UK recently and witnessed the increased security measures in place, one would hope that authorities will soon lift the ban from here. Baggage scans, body frisks, hand luggage searches and swabs were taken and analysed for explosive traces on all passengers travelling to the UK via Monarch and Thomas Cook flights from Dalaman. Hopefully, this should be ample deterrent to terrorists and satisfy authorities before long.
UPDATE! EasyJet has just announced on their website that, as of August 2nd, electronic devices will now be allowed on board flights from Turkey to the UK. Passengers may, however, be asked to turn on the devices prior to boarding.
Thomas Cook reports a continued recovery in bookings for Turkey despite German tensions.
Yet more positivity with the Hurriyet Daily News reporting on July 29th that Thomas Cook CEO Peter Fankhauser said that Turkey remained attractive to holidaymakers despite the German governments warning to its citizens in the country. The paper suggests tour operators like Thomas Cook have witnessed businesses in the Middle East, Turkey and Tunisia suffering due to increased security and travel warnings. For this reason, operators upped flights to popular Mediterranean destinations like Spain and Portugal. Thankfully, the popularity of Turkey has started to bounce back resulting in increased flights and services to popular Turkish coastal resorts and destinations. This trend is expected to continue – let’s hope that’s the case for tourism in Turkey.
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