Operators are optimistic bookings to Turkey will not suffer after last weekend’s bomb attack in Kusadasi which killed two Thomas Cook holidaymakers and injured five.
Tara Witelan, 17, of County Waterford in Ireland, travelling with Thomas Cook’s Irish brand Sunworld Holidays, and Helen Bennett, 21, of County Durham, died in the bus blast.
The Federation of Tour Operators said only a small number of UK holidaymakers go to the resort and travellers are well aware of the global risk of terrorism.
FTO director-general Andy Cooper said: “Terrorism is so endemic these days, it’s no longer the disincentive to travel it once might have been.”
None of the big four tour operators have changed their travel itineraries to Turkey as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not changed its travel advice. The FCO’s website states there “is a huge threat of terrorism in Turkey” but has not advised against travel to the country or to Kusadasi.
Thomson and MyTravel do not go to Kusadasi. First Choice has offered all holidaymakers going to the resort on or before July 25 the option of switching destination free of charge. Although customers have asked for more details, none had changed their plans.
Thomas Cook stationed a representative permanently with its five injured holidaymakers. As Travel Weekly went to press, two were due to be flown home, while another was in a critical condition.
Thomas Cook has offered counselling to its 1,600 clients in resort. Fewer than 20 customers asked to return home early after the bomb, believed to be the work of Kurdish separatists. A spokeswoman said: “Customers have said they will not let terrorists ruin their holiday.”
Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.
The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.