Turkey seeks to reassure trade that destination ‘operating as normal’

Turkish tourism chiefs have sought to reassure the trade and holidaymakers that destinations are “proceeding as normal” despite the Middle East conflict.

Turkey’s culture and tourism ministry and its Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) have confirmed that tourist operations across the country are continuing without disruption.  

Tour operators, OTAs and booking partners are being encouraged to “actively sell” Turkey for the full summer season.  

The country attracted more than 4.2 million UK arrivals last year but there are concerns that numbers could be dented this year as bookings are diverted away from the eastern Mediterranean amid concerns about the US-Israeli war with Iran.

However, the two government bodies stressed that every resort, hotel, excursion and experience is operating as booked - with no closures, disruptions or restrictions on tourism activity anywhere in the country.

The announcement highlighted that holidays to Turkey are operating “as usual” and nothing has changed.

Flights to Turkish airports are departing on schedule. İstanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, İzmir and all other major Turkish international airports are operating normally, and none have been subject to closure, restriction or re-routing due to regional events. 

The culture and tourism ministry said it was is committed to supporting partner communications with data, quotes and briefings on request.

“Turkey remains a key, reliable and high‑value destination for the UK and Irish markets in 2026 and beyond,” a joint statement said.