Turkey capacity under threat

NERVOUS tour operators are considering slashing capacity in beleaguered Turkey following the Bank Holiday weekend’s terrorist bombs.

The highly-profitable destination has long been considered a key growth market by operators determined to find additional good value product as dynamic packaging encroaches on their traditional haunts.

Capacity for Federation of Tour Operators’ members – which include the big four – has grown from 584,000 passengers in 2001 to 839,000 in 2005. This year’s capacity was cut to a still healthy 700,000 following an avian flu outbreak at the start of the year. Thomas Cook was among the first to reduce capacity.

The weekend’s attacks left 22 people injured in Marmaris, including 10 tourists. In Antalya, three were killed and more than 20 injured, and six people were injured in Istanbul.

A group calling itself the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons has already claimed responsibility, warning operators and holidaymakers: “Turkey is not a safe country, tourists should not come to Turkey.”

Turkey specialist Jewel in the Crown is among operators warning of future cuts. Managing director Platon Loizou said: “I won’t keep my present numbers in Turkey.”

Anatolian Sky has yet to decide on capacity, but managing director Akin Koc said: “We’d rather focus on the safety of customers, if that means the same capacity or less rather than growth, that’s what we’ll do.”

Libra Holidays sales and marketing director Paul Riches said: “We’ll have to wait and see the reaction longer term – and hope there are no other bombs.”

Major operators said it was too early to decide on next year’s plans.

A Thomas Cook spokesman said: “Turkey is a key destination for us.”

First Choice product director Jeannette Linfoot added: “We believe Turkey will continue to be popular.”

FTO director-general Andy Cooper predicted growth to Turkey would be hit next year.

Meanwhile, Turkish Culture and Tourism Office director Cengiz Donmez said the country was considering a promotion campaign for 2007.