Sales of Istanbul tours have significantly dropped following the recent earthquake, according to tour operators' assessments.
Headline: Istanbul Earthquake Impact on Tourism: A Closer Look
Hey there, travel enthusiasts! Let's discuss the recent news about the tourism industry in Istanbul after the earthquake that hit the city on April 23, 2025.
Orhan Sanjar, Russia and CIS coordinator of tour operator Pegas Touristik, shared that around 30% of short-term bookings have either been cancelled or postponed, primarily to September and beyond. Also reporting on the drop in bookings is Kadir Baydur, the executive director of Istantour, who mentioned no cancellations of current tours.
The said earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 took place in the Marmara Sea, off the coast of the Istanbul district of Silivri. The seismic event resulted in approximately 250 injured individuals and more than a thousand buildings being damaged. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Center reported several aftershocks, including one of 4.9 magnitude, in the following days.
Now, let's dive into the potential impacts on tourism following the earthquake. According to data, Istanbul continued to attract visitors despite the catastrophic earthquakes in southeastern Turkey in 2023. Although there may be some short-term booking disruptions due to the public holiday during the quake, there's no solid evidence to suggest a sustained tourism decline.
The city has been making strides in ensuring the safety of both residents and tourists by retrofitting public buildings, expanding emergency shelters, rebuilding risky buildings, improving disaster stations, and implementing 24/7 seismic monitoring. Travel guides acknowledge earthquake risks but position Istanbul as safe for visitors, citing the city's rebuilt infrastructure and preparedness measures.
So, if you're planning a trip to Istanbul, rest assured that the city is actively working towards your safety. As always, stay informed and travel safely!
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Tags: #Turkey, #Istanbul, #Earthquake, #Tourism
- The seismic event in Istanbul on April 23, 2025, with a magnitude of 6.2 in the Marmara Sea, has led to approximately 30% of short-term bookings being cancelled or postponed.
- Kadir Baydur, executive director of Istantour, reported no cancellations of current tours despite the earthquake.
- The city of Istanbul, despite suffering a catastrophic earthquake in 2023, continues to attract visitors.
- Efforts to ensure the safety of both residents and tourists in Istanbul include retrofitting public buildings, expanding emergency shelters, rebuilding risky buildings, improving disaster stations, and implementing 24/7 seismic monitoring.
- Despite reports of disruptions in short-term bookings, there's no solid evidence to suggest a sustained tourism decline in Istanbul.
- Tour guides emphasize Istanbul's rebuilt infrastructure and preparedness measures, positioning the city as safe for visitors despite earthquake risks.
