Drop in bookings for Istanbul tours following earthquakeevaluation by travel agencies

Drop in bookings for Istanbul tours following earthquakeevaluation by travel agencies

Revised Article:

Istanbul's Earthquake Shakes Up Tourism Demand

Looks like the earthquake that hit Istanbul on April 23, 2025, has left a lasting impression on the city's tourism industry.

Orhan Sanjar, the Russia and CIS coordinator for tour operator Pegas Touristik, shared some grim numbers. He reported that around 30% of short-term bookings have either been canceled or put on hold, with many tourists rescheduling their trips for September and beyond. Meanwhile, tour sales to Istanbul saw a whopping 25% drop compared to the same period last year.

Kadir Baydur, the executive director of major receiving company Istantour, paints a slightly different picture. He mentioned no cancellations for current tours, but that's not to say the earthquake hasn't had some impact.

The epicenter of the 6.2-magnitude quake was located at a depth of 6.99 km in the Marmara Sea, near the Istanbul district of Silivri. Over 200 people were injured, and more than a thousand buildings damaged as a result. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Center reported several aftershocks, with the last one, of 1.9 magnitude, occurring in western Turkey on April 29.

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Tags: #Turkey, #Istanbul, #Earthquake, #Tourism

Key Insights

• Initial chaos following the earthquake may have deterred some tourists.
• Infrastructure and safety measures are now being strengthened due to heightened awareness of Istanbul's vulnerability to seismic activity.
• The government's proactive approach in evacuating buildings, opening shelters, and closing schools temporarily may reassure tourists about the government's ability to manage emergencies.
• A temporary decrease in tourism demand was observed in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, primarily due to concerns about safety and stability.
• Long-term recovery potential is high as Turkey's tourism industry is robust, and effective management will be crucial in aiding a swift recovery.
• Safety and infrastructure improvements will help boost the perception of safety among tourists, contributing to a stronger recovery in the long term.

1. The earthquake in Istanbul may have effects beyond just the tourism industry, as investors might reconsider their finance decisions for businesses in the area due to fears of seismic activity.
2. Lifestyle changes could occur as well, with some people choosing to cancel or postpone travel plans to Istanbul due to safety concerns, leading to a ripple effect in the travel sector.
3. Meanwhile, the political landscape might shift slightly as leaders discuss and implement measures to strengthen infrastructure, ensuring the safety and stability of the city in light of the recent earthquake and its potential for aftershocks.
4. Furthermore, general news media will continue to track updates on the recovery efforts and potential future risks of seismic activity in Istanbul, as well as any crime or justice incidents related to the aftermath of the earthquake.

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