A tour operator specialising in Turkey says the protests in Istanbul will not affect sales, despite some clients calling up to voice concerns.
Akin Koc, managing director of Anatolian Sky, said he believed the demonstrations in Istanbul will soon come to an end. He told Travel Weekly that the tour operator had reassured worried clients.
It has been reported that more than 1,700 people have been arrested during anti-government protests in 67 towns and cities across the country.
“I don’t think this is anything clients should be worried about,” he said. “I have been watching the Turkish TV very closely. I have been following the news closely every day and every hour. We have had some clients call about it and we have reassured them. I don’t see this as something which would affect sales, we have seen similar protests happening in London in the past.
“In fact I think, having worked as a tour operator for 23 years – this year I feel safest sending tourists to Turkey. Particularly because of what the government has done to stop and disarm rebels.
“It is a normal day, with the phones ringing as normal and people should not worry.”
During the demonstrations, police used tear gas in an effort to disperse crowds.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office said: “Following recent demonstrations in Istanbul and other cities in Turkey in which police used tear gas and water cannons, the possibility of further demonstrations remains high.
“We advise British nationals to avoid all demonstrations.”