Turkey defies Middle East conflict fears with rise in British holidaymakers

Turkey is defying fears that British holidaymakers are switching away from the eastern Mediterranean due to the Middle East conflict.

Latest official tourism figures show a 16% year on year rise in March arrivals.

UK visitor numbers jumped 64% in the final week of the month, according to the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA).

With major holiday destinations located many hundreds of miles from the conflict, the TGA confirmed that UK visitors are continuing to take holidays on Turkey’s Med and Aegean coastlines. 

The most popular destinations, including İstanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman and İzmir, are very much operating as normal with bookings performing well and customer feedback in-resort “continuing to shine”, the tourism organisation noted.

TGA general manager Sinan Seha Türkseven said: "British travellers have made their verdict clear.

“Our border entries from the UK, and other European markets are showing double-digit growth year on year over the past few weeks. 

“British holidaymakers clearly know that Turkey’s holiday destinations are open, welcoming, and as spectacular as ever."

Jet2 chief executiuve Steve Heapy said: “Customers travelling to Turkey have been telling us how fantastic their holidays have been, and with such great value on offer, now is an excellent time to book that perfect holiday.”

On the Beach chief customer officer Zoe Harris said: “Holiday bookings to Turkey are seeing a strong resurgence among British travellers.

“In the past week alone, we’ve recorded a 160% increase in last-minute bookings for the Easter period. 

“With excellent value for money and a wide range of standout destinations on offer, Turkey is continuing to establish itself as one of the most popular choices for UK holidaymakers. This upward trend looks likely to continue throughout the year.”