Heading for some winter sun

WITH the winter chill predicted to last four months in the U.K. Brits will be heading abroad for some winter sun in their droves. Research conducted by beach holiday specialist On the Beach has revealed Spain as the most popular winter sun destination this year, with the Canary Islands and resorts across the mainland attracting more Brits than any other destination in Europe, with Turkey firmly back in the Top 5 winter sun destinations.

Top 10 most popular winter sun destinations:

1.   Canary Islands
2.   Mainland Spain
3.   Balearic Islands
4.   Turkey
5.   Algarve (Portugal)
6.   Greece
7.   Malta
8.   Morocco
9.   Egypt
10. Cyprus

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Best golf destinations for November

WHEN it comes to choosing the best destinations for golf this November, a few places really stand out. Here is a brief look at 3 fabulous November 2018 destinations for golf.

Playa del Carmen: Mayakoba Golf Classic - The Mayakoba Golf Classic is not just the centerpiece of the PGA Tour and golf but at the same time, it is also a cultural attraction for people who are thinking of visiting Mexico this November.  The Mayakoba Golf Classic was first introduced in the year 2007 and since then it has contributed millions of dollars to different charities and philanthropic causes. It has also contributed to the welfare of communities including the Playa del Carmen. This classic is going to be held from November 5th to November 11th 2018. 

Dubai: DP World Tour Championship - The DP World Tour Championship will be held in Dubai from November 15th to November 18th 2018. This is a top golf destination if only because it gives you an excellent opportunity to watch the top sixty European Tour players compete in the last event of the Race to Dubai. General admission to this tournament won’t cost you anything though you may have to undergo pre-registration for free fast-track entry tickets.

Antalya, Turkey: European Tour Turkish Airlines Open, Regnum Carya Golf and Spa Resort - The Turkish Airlines Open takes place from the 1st of November to 4th November 2018. The 2017 winner Justin Rose will be defending his title, and this event also happens to be the sixth Rolex Series event of the European Tour of 2018. The total prize money at this event is seven million dollars and in addition, this event is also the most exciting tournament to be added to the 2018 European Tour.

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ABTA advises think twice

ABTA – The Travel Association is strongly advising holidaymakers and other travellers to think twice before hiring mopeds whilst overseas, and to only ride quad bikes as part of an organised excursion.  Every year many people have dangerous accidents while on holiday after driving quad bikes on the road and hiring mopeds – causing serious injuries and some accidents have been fatal.

ABTA Members reported 36 quad bike accidents and seven moped accidents in 2017. So far in 2018, seven people have been involved in quad bike accidents on the road. These figures represent just those cases reported by ABTA Members – and ABTA believes the total number of accidents to be much higher.

New figures from ABTA reveal as many as 4.5 million Britons have hired a moped or quad bike whilst overseas – the equivalent of one in ten British holidaymakers. Younger adults are most likely to put themselves at risk - one in seven (16%) British 18-24 year olds who have taken an overseas holiday in the last 12 months said they had hired either a quad bike or a moped.

In recent years, quad bikes have become increasingly popular, particularly in places like Greece, Cape Verde & Turkey. Hiring mopeds has also become common among British travellers in countries such as Thailand and Vietnam. Whether in Europe or further afield, these vehicles give little protection in an accident, and riders are particularly vulnerable on the open roads.

ABTA is advising anyone travelling abroad that there are always safer alternatives to hiring mopeds and quad bikes, including hiring a car, taking a taxi or using public transport, and to only ride quad bikes as part of an organised excursion. It is also reminding holidaymakers of the limitations and exclusions of standard travel insurance policies – many of which will not cover accidents from quad bikes and mopeds, leaving seriously injured holidaymakers facing unaffordable medical bills.


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Tips for a yacht charter in Turkey

THE Turquoise Coast is one of the top sailing destinations in the world, known for the richly hued and crystal clear waters, smooth pebble and white sand beaches and interesting mix of lively resort towns and quiet fishing villages. If you’ve decided to take spend your holidays in #sailing along the Turkish coast this year then you’re sure to have a fantastic experience but there are a few thing to bear in mind to get the most out of your #holiday and here are the top 5 tips.

Consider Your Options - There are a lot of options from private yacht charter to cabin charter and many reputable agencies to choose from. Private charters are usually for one week or more are ideal for groups who desire the freedom to roam the Mediterranean and Aegean sea. 

All Inclusive or Self Catering - You should check with your specific yachting agency but usually food and drinks are not included in the standard charter fee. 

Research your Route - It’s a good idea to have a little background information on the area you’re planning to be sailing through and while your yachting agency will have recommendations and can point out the ‘top spots’, it’s also worth doing a your own research. 


Choose the Right Yacht - If you’ve ever strolled along the promenade in the harbours of Fethiye, Marmaris or Kas then you will know that #Turkey has no shortage of gulet sailing boats. Most have berths for 12 to 16 passengers although smaller and larger are also available, most also have sun beds, sound system, deck shower as well as cabins with ensuite bathrooms and some yachts are also fitted with air conditioning and equipped with fishing and snorkelling kits to use at your leisure.

Disconnect - By far the best way to enjoy your yacht charter in Turkey is by disconnecting from the stress and hassles of everyday life and engaging with the magnificent scenery of the Turquoise coast as well as enjoying the company of your fellow crew mates. 

www.alaturkaturkey.com

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On the runway . . . .

TUI the UK’s largest holiday brand, has today announced it has added an additional weekly flight to the popular Greek island of Kos and Turkish destination of Dalaman for summer 2018 operating out of Bristol Airport.

As well as the additional flights to Kos and Dalaman residents from in and around Bristol now have a wider choice of destinations to choose from when booking their holidays this summer with new routes to Hurghada in Egypt and Skiathos in Greece already on sale.

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Microadventures in Turkey

MICROADVENTURES are becoming increasingly popular for time-crunched travellers looking for their next adrenalin fix. With many European adventure destinations becoming overcrowded and overdone, intrepid travellers are now looking for advice on where to escape the crowds, get active and embrace the outdoors in the new year.

Located on the refreshingly remote southwestern coast of #Turkey, Sarigerme’s enviable location between the stretching turquoise sea and spectacular mountains makes it the ultimate, crowd-free outdoor playground. This land of adventure is just a mere four-hour flight from the UK.

White water rafting… Stretching 229 kilometres and offering a number of different routes, the nearby Dalaman River promises wet and wild fun for rafters of all abilities. Besides being a white water hotspot, there are also many secluded spots along the riverbank where travellers can stop and take in the impressive waterfalls, caverns, craggy mountain ridges and colourful forests.

Sea kayaking… The Lycian shore is one of the most irresistible in the entire Mediterranean. Kayakers can explore a heavenly labyrinth of secluded coves, remote peninsulas, hidden islets, and rugged cliffs, and if they are lucky, bump into endangered Loggerhead turtles, known as Caretta Caretta, that come to the Sarigerme shores every year to nest. Swoon-worthy Göcek Bay’s beautiful beaches and idyllic islands are just a short paddle away.

Catch the wind… Unlike other beach destinations along the Turquoise Coast, Sarigerme’s unique position between the Aegean and Mediterranean seas welcomes a cool sea breeze that creates the ideal waves for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Visitors can sign up to lessons and courses and learn how to discover the sea in style.

Scuba diving… For those searching for their next aquatic adventure, Sarigerme boasts fantastic diving conditions with warm temperatures ranging from 20-30°C and clear visibility for 20-40 metres. Divers can explore ancient shipwrecks and ruins, colourful reefs and hidden caves. This part of the Mediterranean Sea also offers visitors the chance to see diverse underwater creatures including turtles, barracudas, rays and groupers.

Paragliding… Down the coast from Sarigerme, Ölüdeniz is one of the best spots in Europe for solo and tandem paragliders. For the ultimate flight, adrenaline junkies make the brave leap off Babadağ Mountain from where they will enjoy breath-taking views of the big blue from above.

Horse riding… With a number of equestrian clubs and ranches in the area, Sarigerme is a top choice for a horse riding holiday. With professional and friendly instruction, travellers can grab the reigns of beautiful Turkish horses and trot through fields of fragrant flowers, climb into the surrounding mountains and breathe in the fresh forest air. 

Caving, rock climbing abseiling… With over 40,000 caves and caverns, Sarigerme is a paradise for potholing and caving, offering adventurers the chance to see crumbling hidden churches, secret underground lakes, cisterns, stalactites and stalagmites. The cave network is not for the faint hearted, particularly because cavers will often be sharing the dark corners with friendly families of bats. For those who prefer to explore in the light, travellers are welcomes to try rock-climbing and abseiling in Sarigerme’s rocky mountain surrounds.

Hiking… A trip down the coast leads to Saklikent, which means ‘hidden city’ in Turkish. Here, travellers will find a secret paradise which spans 18 kilometres in length and 300 meters in depth, making Saklikent Gorge one of the deepest canyons in the world. The gorge is so steep and so narrow that sunlight often cannot reach it. In order to reach Saklikent Gorge, the Xanthos River has to be crossed which is guaranteed to get heart beats pumping. For those looking for an easier alternative, there are also wooden boardwalks positioned above the river leading to a picturesque riverside restaurant.

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Up in the air . . .

THOMAS COOK, one of the UK’s leading holiday companies has tripled the number of flights to #Turkey from Cardiff Airport for summer 2018, following a pick-up in demand for holidays to the #destination this summer.

The introduction of a weekly flight to Antalya and a second weekly flight to Dalaman from Cardiff means those in Wales and nearby counties will have even more choice and flexibility for next year’s summer getaways. Available to book now, the new Antalya and Dalaman flights will operate on Fridays, starting 4 May 2018 and 25 May 2018 respectively.

Turkey has been the third most popular destination for Brits this summer, appealing to holidaymakers looking for high quality and good value.

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Turkey: Back on the map

HOLIDAYMAKERS are returning to Turkey's most popular beach locales in droVes, but there is one undiscovered gem where the glass-like Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet beneath a dramatic backdrop of postcard perfect mountains that will capture the hearts of discerning travellers in 2018. #Sarigerme, on the remote southwestern coast of #Turkey, is home to taste-bud tantalizing cuisine, ancient relics and tombs, nesting sea turtles, lively markets and idyllic pampering. Whether searching for an easy weekend break or an extended summer holiday, Sarigerme offers something for every kind of traveller and family. 

Here are 10 reasons to visit Turkey’s best kept secret in 2018:

1. Be a real life Indiana Jones: Visitors on the hunt for a culturally enriching escape will find an array of well-preserved archaeological sites near Sarigerme which pay tribute to the cultural traditions and customs of the Persians, Athenians, Ottomans, Romans and Lycians who once inhabited the land.

2. Taste a new take on Turkish food: Travellers are invited to dive into Sarigerme’s unique flavours from street food, sold by local vendors in the beautiful and vibrant markets to a more traditional seafood dining experience at one of the many family-owned restaurants, known to locals as meyhanes.

3. Feel what happens when two seas meet: Unlike other beach destinations along the Turquoise Coast, Sarigerme’s unique positioning between the Aegean and Mediterranean seas welcomes a cool sea breeze in the hot summer months which means travellers can comfortably enjoy the beach and the outdoors for much longer without having to retreat into the air conditioning.

4. Meet the caretta caretta: The beaches surrounding Sarigerme are renowned for their vast numbers of nesting Loggerhead turtles, known locally as caretta caretta, that come to the shores every year.

5. Island hop by yacht: Consistently voted as one of the best beaches in the world, Göcek Bay and its 12 islands provide a stunning backdrop for a holiday to Sarigerme. With beautiful beaches, idyllic islands and crystal clear waters, visitors have a chance to swim, snorkel or sunbathe their way through the region. 

6. Get divinely dirty: For those wanting to relax whilst also indulging in the local traditions and cultures of the area the Dalyan Mud Baths and natural hot springs are a quick 20-minute drive away from Sarigerme.

7. Barter for a bargain: On Wednesday the market comes to Sarigerme where visitors can bag a bargain on traditional trinkets, such as mosaic glass lamps, hand painted ceramics, high quality carpets and the popular Nazar Boncugu (the Evil Eye) used to warn off bad luck.

8. Don the binoculars and head down river: The River Dalyan is home to some extraordinary and rare species. Euphrates River Turtles are over a metre long with leathery shells and tube-like noses and can be observed from just a few feet away. White-Throated Kingfishers can frequently be seen along the river, often perched on boats, along with Purple Herons, Squacco Herons, Great Egrets and White-Winged Black Terns, which are also common species in the area.

9. Rock and roll: With over 40,000 caves and caverns, Sarigerme is a paradise for potholing and caving, offering adventurers the chance to see crumbling hidden churches, secret underground lakes, cisterns, stalactites and stalagmites.

10. Stay at the Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa: Located on a beautiful private beach and boasting sprawling views of the surrounding mountains, the Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa is the ideal place to stay and enjoy all of the wonders that the region has to offer. hiltondalaman.com.

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100% baggage tracking at Istanbul New Airport

SITA is to provide 100 percent baggage tracking at Istanbul New Airport, its innovative baggage tracking solution at what will be one of the world’s largest airports, will allow airlines to meet IATA Resolution 753’s baggage tracking requirements from day one. 

The airport, due to open in 2018, will have capacity to accommodate 90 million passengers a year. Upon completion of all four phases, the passenger capacity will reach over 200 million passengers annually and will be required to track more than 75,000 bags an hour. 

The potential for bags to be mishandled in such a busy environment will be significantly reduced with SITA’s baggage solution by providing information on where every single bag is on its route through the airport.

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Istanbul Among Top 10 List of Street Food Cities

VirtualTourist.com surveyed its members about their favorite street food experiences, and they rated #Istanbul as the 7th top city for its doner – lamb, chicken, or beef grilled on a vertical skewer and served in pita bread. There is also simit (ring-shaped bread topped with toasted sesame seeds, Lahmacun (sometimes called Turkish pizza, flatbread topped with minced vegetables and/or ground meat and bold spices,) and midye dolma (stuffed mussels.)

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Up in the air . . .

THE Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to welcome the launch of new Turkish Airlines flights to Phuket in Southern Thailand. Phuket, one of the world’s best known beach destinations with a number of award-winning beaches voted for by tourists, will host the airline’s four direct flights per week from Istanbul.

Turkish Airlines inaugurated its Istanbul-Phuket route on 17 July with the first flight carrying 210 passengers, including 20 members of the media from Turkey. The journalists and writers also got the chance to visit important attractions in Phuket and nearby provinces, including Phuket Old Town, Wat Chalong, Siam Niramit Phuket and James Bond Island.

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On the Runway . . .

STARTING from July 8, Turkish Airlines continues to contribute to Turkey’s tourism by launching its direct flights between Antalya and Algeria.

The national flag carrier that flies to 296 destinations in 120 countries, now adds Antalya-Algeria-Antalya route to its expanding flight network during this years summer season.

Turkish Airlines will operate these direct flights three times a week between Antalya and Algeria. Making it much easier to reach the country's tourism center Antalya.

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Gulet Blue Cruise breaks charter sales records in Greece

S.Nur Taylan Gulet off the Turkish coast.

THE Dodecanese islands in #Greece have taken the biggest piece of the total volume of blue #cruise charter sales this season. In the last two years there has been a decline in charter sales from ports in Turkey. Despite this decline, there are still healthy bookings numbers for 2017, according to Mirya Yachting Turkey. 

"There is a positive outlook for 2017 and we are not only receiving bookings for itineraries in Turkey from local tourists but also from old and new clients from the USA, Canada, Australia and Europe - who know that it is still safe to enjoy a #gulet holiday in Turkey", explains Mr. Baris, Mirya Yachting Turkey.

Charters will begin from the ports of Kos and Rhodes and guests will have the choice to either travel in the North Dodecanese all the way up to Patmos, or sail in the southern islands as far down to Halki.  Good news and more business for the vendors in the Greek islands.

"Gulet holidays continue to retain strong interest and the preferred holiday style because it caters to all budgets, all types of groups, great for children and families, and one of the best ways to enjoy the treasures of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas", says Mr. Baris.

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A Little Secret . . .

THERE are many beautiful abandoned buildings and places in Europe have you ever visited any of them? They all have a different story to tell of their abandonment . . . 

Lake Reschen in Bolzano - Italy

This artificial lake is famous for the steeple of a submerged 14th-century church; when the water freezes, this can be reached on foot.

Craco in Matera- Italy

Now a ghost town Craco was abandoned in 1963 die to recurring landslides.

Spreepark in Berlin - Germany
Spreepark was opened in 1969 as Kulturpark Plänterwald the only constant amusement park in Germany but in 2002 its owners fled to Peru leaving a huge debt behind and the park was closed.

Buzludzha Communist Headquarters in Gabrovo - Bulgaria
Built by the Bulgarian communist regime to commemorate the events in 1891 when the socialists led by Dimitar Blagoev assembled secretly in the area to form an organised socialist movement.

Buyukada Orphelinat in Istanbul - Turkey
Built in 1898 as a hotel, it never opened due to lack of proper planning permissions. It remained abandoned for a long time until a wealthy Greek philanthropist turned it into a school and orphanage for children but it was again abandoned in the 1960's. Wardens live in a tiny house but are not allowed to let you in.

Canfranc Station, Canfranc - Spain
In 1970 a train derailment demolished a bridge on the French side of the mountains, the French decided not to rebuild the bridge, the cross border line was closed and never re-opened. Closed to the public except during guided tours in July and August offered via the local tourist office.

Varosha in Famagusta - Cyprus

Located within Northern Cyprus prior to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, it was the modern tourist area of Famagusta. Its inhabitants fled during the invasion, and it has remained abandoned ever since.

Balestrino in Liguria - Italy
Abandoned in 1953 for hydrogeological instability, the old town on the top of the hill is a ghost town whereas the modern town built below is still inhabited today.

Pripyat Amusement Park, Pripyat - Ukraine
The Pripyat amusement park was an upcoming amusement park due to be opened on May 1, 1986, but the plans were interrupted when on April 26 the Chernobyl disaster occurred a few kilometers away. The amusement park can be found behind the Palace of Culture in the centre of the city.

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US issues travel warning for Turkey

A recent warning from the US State Department has advised American citizens against travel to Turkey following the recent engagement of military operations inside Syria and increased threats from terrorist groups.

The US State Department advised on August 23, 2016, that the voluntary departure of family members assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Ankara and U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul had been extended through September 23, 2016.

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Instability in Turkey will be ‘catastrophic’ for travel industry: Euromonitor

TERRORISM and the failed political coup in #Turkey could spell disaster for country’s #tourism sector … so says Euromonitor International’s travel project manager, Nadejda Popova. 

‘Recent political events in Turkey will be catastrophic for its travel industry,’ she says. Several terrorist attacks, the failed political coup as well as the collapse of Turkey-Russia relations will be detrimental for the recovery of its tourism industry. 

The fear factor amongst tourists and high level of uncertainty are expected to shift the interest of travellers from Turkey to other destinations, which will now also include travel away from Europe.’

In 2015, Turkey received 34.7 million international arrivals in terms of number of trips, but this performance is expected to be heavily impacted by events this year. According to the latest United Nations World Tourism Organization Barometer, international arrivals in the country declined 10% in Q1 2016.

‘Terrorism and general instability are changing the perceptions among travellers in terms of how safe the country is as a destination,” says Ms Popova. ‘This could continue in the mid- to long-term if adequate security measures are not taken by the Turkish government. Short term, the market will suffer direly from those events, but with the right approach by the government, proving the strengthened security and reassuring tourists, it could recover faster than we can now foresee.

‘However as this is not the first incident in the country this year, these events will cause a much longer term impact on the industry. As seen from [other] examples in the Middle East such as Tunisia, one isolated attack cannot cripple the entire industry, but repetitive attacks will definitely prevent the development of the tourism industry”

In Europe, big travel players such as Tui and Thomas Cook are already reporting a significant decline in bookings to Turkey, which Popova said were down more than 35%.

‘This, of course, showcases that demand is very low and travellers are shifting their holiday plans to other destinations,” said Ms Popova.

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Visitors to Turkey told to carry passports at all times

BRITISH holidaymakers in #Turkey are being advised to carry their passport and a printed copy of e-visas at all times.  

The UK government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice comes as Turkey’s president announced a three-month state of emergency following last week’s failed coup. 

The FCO said some dual nationals carrying green or grey passports might be questioned on leaving Turkey, but added that the state of emergency isn't expected to affect tourists. ‘Although security force activity may be visible from some resorts, coastal resorts don't appear to be significantly affected at present'. 

The state of emergency means the government will be able to enforce curfews, restrict or suspend rights and freedoms, have tighter control on the media, and greater powers of arrest.

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Turkey crisis: Give holidaymakers refunds or alternative destinations

HOLIDAYMAKERS who have bookings for #Turkey and who now have concerns about going there should be given the choice of penalty-free refunds or alternative destinations, says travel watchdog HolidayTravelWatch.

‘A “significant change” has arisen with holidays that are about to start to Turkey,’ says Frank Brehany, travel expert and consumer director at the HolidayTravelWatch website. ‘There is no question that British holidaymakers scheduled to travel to Turkey will be concerned as to their safety, particularly as the effect of this coup is likely to last for some weeks ahead.

‘In a region that is already under stress from conflict and the refugee crisis, it is time for travel companies to recognize their obligations under Regulations 12 & 13 of the Package Travel Regulations. Holidaymakers must now be offered those rights under the regulations: refunds without penalty and/or the offer of changes of holidays without cost to UK customers.

‘I do not make this call lightly and have every concern and sympathy for those in Turkey who rely upon tourism for their income. But we must recognize that 2016 has not been a happy year for Turkey and this attempted coup and the uncertainty that will surely follow is not the ideal time for mass tourism.’

www.HolidayTravelWatch.com

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Stay indoors, Brits in Turkey urged

BRITONS in #Turkey should remain indoors, even though the situation now ‘appears quieter’ in Istanbul, the UK’s Foreign Office says in its latest advice to travellers following the attempted #militarycoup.

‘We've been monitoring the situation in Turkey very closely and remain very concerned about what's been going on there,’ said Britain’s Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson. ‘I have spoken to our diplomatic staff in Ankara and in Istanbul. They are doing a fantastic job. They are working very hard to do the best for the many Brits who are there and the many people on holiday, who should follow our travel advice.’

That travel advice reads: ‘We strongly advise you to stay indoors, avoid public places, in particular demonstrations, and remain vigilant. If you are at an airport in Turkey, please follow the advice of the authorities and contact your airline or tour operator.

If you are due to travel to or from Turkey over the next few days, you should closely monitor our travel advice and check with your airline or tour operator before travelling.’

British Airways said it was cancelling all flights to and from Turkey on Saturday, but easyJet plans to run its scheduled flights, largely to Turkish resort towns.

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Tunisia urges lifting of travel warning after UK arrivals plummet 90%; Turkey bookings down by 32%

THE UK government is being urged to relax its warning against all but essential travel to #Tunisia after a 90% drop in British visitors in the first four months of 2016. 

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) guidance has been in place since 31 British holidaymakers were murdered in two terror attacks in Tunisia last year.

The Tunisian ambassador to the UK said the government should take into account security improvements since last year. He said there was now a gap between the ‘perception of the level of security, and the real security on the ground’.

‘Every week terrorist cells are dismantled. Terrorists are arrested or neutralized. This should give a positive image, not a negative one. If you take statistics, you have much less chance to die in Tunisia or to have any harm in Tunisia than in so many countries close to us," he said, adding that he had never seen Tunisia's beaches so empty of tourists.

An FCO spokesman said: ‘We know our travel advice can have a knock-on effect on trade and political considerations, but we don't let this influence the advice we give. The safety of British nationals is our main concern. We are working closely with the Tunisians to understand the terrorist threat better and to help them to strengthen measures to protect tourists further.’

*Market research organization GfK reports a 32% drop in the number of holidays being booked from the UK to Turkey from April 2015 to the same month this year, while bookings to mainland Spain and the Canaries have seen a 33% rise over the same period.

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