Turkish tourism affected by latest attacks

Turkey’s tourism industry was shaken by the two suicide bombings killing tourists

Moreover, the Russian embargo imposed immediately after Turkey shot down a Russian military jet had the same effects: the incoming business of Istanbul travel operators is down by 80% when compared to the previous year.

Also, cruise arrivals dropped slightly. Viking Cruises canceled shore trips after the attack in March to avoid mass-cancellations from their clients. To boost security, Shangri-La Bosphorus and the Naval Museum began using airport-style screening. Carnival and Royal Caribbean brands continuously cooperate with local security authorities to provide updated information to the cruisers.

Similarly, as Karen Fedorko Sefer, owner of Sea Song, declares, communication between travel operators and security officials applies constantly in the area. “We talk to the U.S. consulate all the time. We monitor the tourist sites, avoid visiting them when they are crowded. Because her groups are small, it’s easy to change 'at a moment’s notice'”, she stated.

Enhanced security measures can also be spotted in Istanbul's main hot-spots. 631 security officers were appointed to guard the city to increase the tourists' feeling of safety. In March only, the local police has organized four routine checkpoints and stopped over 1.5 million people in the area.

As local tour operators revenue dropped significantly since last year, marketing tools including social media remain the only possibility to raise visibility of the Turkish destinations.