What’s going on in Turkey? The Insider Perspective

As “Exclusively Virtuoso” Preferred Specialty Tour Operator for Turkey for over 10 years, and in response to all the inquiries many of our customers have made to us, we wanted to provide a summarized update about our only tour destination, Turkey.

What’s Happened in 2016 and So Far in 2017?
As you know, tourism to Turkey has been down since the middle of 2016. This has been due to a number of events that have made the news – including terrorist attack at Istanbul Ataturk International Airport and at a prominent nightclub, and an “attempted coup” last July. Additionally, some also associated Turkey with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. (In reality, almost 2,000 km separates Istanbul/Western Turkey from Syria and Iraq).

The news from this year has largely been focused on an internal political showdown. Specifically, a Referendum on changing the Constitution in a way that would give the President increased powers has just passed. The results of this Referendum are not going to be applicable until 2019. We hope, by that time, we will have more political stability.

What Does This Mean for Tourism in Turkey?
Here’s the good news: These events and the optics of political maneuvering notwithstanding, the reality is that Turkey remains a relatively very safe country. In 2016 Turkey hosted over 25 million foreign tourists, placing it among the top 15 most visited countries in the world. Tourism is extremely important to the Turkish economy, and the historically strict protective security measures are now tighter than ever before throughout the country, especially in areas that are most frequented by visitors. Life in Istanbul, Bodrum, Cappadocia, and other popular destinations remain vibrant, exciting, and safe.

Our guests who have traveled in Turkey in recent months have returned with overwhelmingly positive feedback, reporting on their fantastic experiences in Turkey that have been further enhanced by less-than-usual crowds and better-than-expected deals! Istanbul is still listed as one of the top cities in the world to visit in a majority of travel publications; so tourists are and will come to Turkey in the coming months more than the last year.

What’s New and Exciting About Our Tours In 2017?
We believe that the temporary reduction in tourists has created even more opportunities to enjoy Turkey in 2017. For example, since many cruise ship companies have suspended their Turkey programs this year, we decided, for the first time, to design two one-of-a-kind “scheduled” cruise & tour combinations, specifically developed with the sophisticated traveler in mind:

Special Epicureans’ Tour Of Turkey is a delightful program that caters to those interested in good food and wine.
Special Voyage Of A Lifetime is a unique tour/cruise program that combines overnight hotel stays with an 8-day cruise on a traditional luxury gulet yacht along the Aegean Coast of Turkey.

Both of these voyages utilize incredible hotels such as Caresse Hotel and Spa (A Luxury Collection property and the “Best Resort Hotel in Europe” according to Conde Nast readers), and the historic Pera Palace Hotel, a Jumeirah Property in Istanbul, among others.

Please email us for detailed itineraries, dates, and pricing. Of course, we can also customize these itineraries and travel dates for private parties.

How Can You Learn More About Turkey?
Turkey At Its Best is grateful to so many of our guests who have called and sent messages to let us know they remain excited about Turkey! We remain committed to providing the best services for your guests with our own, exclusive, Operations Center in Turkey, and our network of exceptional Professional Tour Guides, top quality hotels, yachts, and Chauffeur-driven deluxe private tour vehicles in the country.

As the innovator of unique, premium, bespoke travel experiences for visitors to Turkey, Turkey At Its Best is here to guide you through new and memorable ways to see the best of Turkey. For additional ideas and itineraries, please visit our newly updated website, www.dev.turkeyatitsbest.com, write to us at Tours@turkeyatitsbest.net, or call us at +1 (949) 717-6784.

Please feel free to share this information with anyone who might be interested in the unique programs that we provide. We look forward to welcoming you in Turkey!

Thank you all for your support!
Turkey At Its Best