Turkey – still great value

TURKEY’s state of emergency
remains in place since an
attempted coup in June 2016 and
with Syria on its border, the country
had no fewer than 16 terrorist attacks
within its borders during the course
of last year.
Despite this, the UK Foreign and
Commonwealth Office maintains that
it is “generally safe” to visit Turkey. Its
recommendation states: “Most terrorist
attacks have taken place in the south
and east of the country and in Ankara
and Istanbul. Attacks are most likely to
target the Turkish state, civilians and
demonstrations.”
Inspirations Travel and Tours (ITT),
which promotes travel to Turkey, says
it has seen a drop in requests and
interest for travel to the country. Dana
Webber, director of ITT, says it is
unfortunate, as so few destinations
can be considered truly ‘safe’ in today’s
tumultuous political context. “Turkey
is as safe to travel to as any other
destination,” says Dana. “Terrorist
attacks have not targeted tourists.”
Negative coverage in the press is
largely to blame for South Africans’
travel concerns,” says Aneesa Mitha,
marketing director of Sure Mitha
Travel. “I visited Istanbul a week after
the suicide bombing in Sultanahmet
Square in January 2016. Our trip was
amazing – security was heightened and
we did not experience any danger or
difficulties.”
Annemarie Lexow, sales and
marketing manager of Travel Vision,
says Turkey is not currently a “top of
the list” destination for South Africans.
Despite this, she believes there is
still opportunity to promote the south
of the country, which is known for its
excellent golf courses. “There’s also
lots of history and sightseeing around
Perge, Bodrum, Ephesus and the island
of Kos.”
Dana says those willing to put up
with a certain degree of risk can still
have a great trip and benefit from very
affordable rates, provided they take
some precautions. She says agents
need to make sure they have direct
contact with people on the ground
when booking trips for clients and that
they should advise them to stay away
from the Syrian border and avoid any
unrest and demonstrations.
Aneesa also recommends that
clients take out comprehensive travel
insurance and co-operate with security
officials at the airport and tourist
attractions.