UKspecialist operators to Turkey have come together in a bid to prevent the country’s tourist industry plunging into further crisis in 2000.
Led by Anatolian Sky, they have formed an Association of Independent Turkish Tour Operators to help raise the fortunes of the country and restore confidence in the UK market.
Among the founder members are Metak Holidays, Sunquest, President, Tulip Travel, Green Island, Blue Cruises, Concept Express and Travel One.
The tourist office said visitor numbers from the UK to Turkey dipped by 20% last year following two devastating earthquakes, the Kosovo war and terrorist threats on tourist areas. One operator, Allegro Holidays, folded because of the dramatic fall in bookings.
AITTO chairman and Anatolian Sky managing director Akin Koc claimed pressure from the association was instrumental in obtaining funds from the Turkish government to help kick-start sales. “We have direct access to the minister of tourism, Erkan Mumcu, and he has already released funds for a marketing campaign,” said Koc.
Turkey is spending more than £4m in the UK – compared to just £500,000 last year. Around £1.5m will be spent on joint promotions with operators.
Koc said the government has been too slow in the past to react to situations and should have responded when the British Foreign Office warned against travel to Turkey last year.
“Of course, it was a bad time but the earthquakes were as far away from the tourist areas as London is from Vienna. And no tourist was hurt by terrorists. The public should have been made more aware of that.”
UK tourist office director Savas Kuce denied the government reacted slowly to the crisis and said funding was agreed after discussion with the tourist office in London.
“We orchestrate the campaigns and while AITTO is a good idea, it is still small and cannot claim responsibility for obtaining the money,” he said.
“I also believe the government did speak out last year. It is up to operators to sell the destination. Perhaps they should have been more vocal.”
Koc travelled to Turkey last week to meet Mumcu and discuss the campaign. It will include promotions between operators and the tourist office, roadshows and national advertising.