The Bosphorus, Istanbul

Luxury agents say Turkey bookings are unaffected by attack on US Consolate

10-Jul-08 Christy Wyatt

The Turkish Culture and Tourism Office in London expressed its "deepest regret" following the attack on the US Consulate in Istanbul, and said the events took place outside of the usual tourism resorts and destinations on the South coast of Turkey.
A spokesperson told Luxury Travel: "The Turkish Culture and Tourism Office suggests that travellers intending to visit Istanbul in the near future check their holiday details with their travel agent or tour operator."
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office currently cites Turkey as being at a high threat from terrorism.
However, Sea Song Tours president Karen Fedorko Sefer said: "We had two cruise ships here yesterday and there was no disturbance to the tours and all ships are on schedule with no cancellations.  
"I spoke with a number of the cruise lines yesterday and they have no change of plans as far as calls to Turkey."
Lorrie Croze, owner of Medcollection.com, said none of their clients had cancelled.
"It does not mean what they did does not go unnoticed, but it did not have any impact on any of our pending bookings or confirmed bookings," she said.
Sarah Arnesen, marketing manager, Anatolian Sky, added: "These days, unfortunately, terrorism is an international issue. The Turkish authorities are very aware of security issues and there are high levels of security throughout the country and especially at airports, which should reassure travellers. We believe this latest incident will not affect tourism to Turkey."
From January to April 2008 visitors to Turkey from the European Union increased by 18.75 per cent.
Within the same period nearly 205,879 visitors have arrived from the UK, compared to 173,379 for the same period in 2007.
 www.gototurkey.co.uk; www.anatoliansky.co.uk; www.seasong.com; www.medcollection.com