Istanbul no-go after terrorist bomb attacks
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Tour operators have stopped selling city breaks to Istanbul following terrorist attacks against the British Embassy and HSBC Bank which killed at least 25 people and left more than 400 injured.
At the time of going to press, The Foreign Office was advising against all but essential travel to Istanbul and warning of a 'high threat' of terrorism else where in Turkey. Tourists were warned to be vigilant.
The Association of British Travel Agents estimated there were around 100 UK package holidaymakers in the city at the time of the attacks. Two bombs exploded at the British Consulate-General and the HSBC bank's headquarters causing multiple casualties. The attacks followed the bombing of two synagogues on 15 November which killed 23 people and wounded more than 300.
Cresta Holidays has contacted 10 passengers due to fly to Istanbul in the next seven days and offered them the opportunity to postpone their holidays or choose alternative destinations. One passenger currently in the city has decided to continue his holiday and returns to the UK tomorrow.
Senior product manager Ian Ackland said it was too early to tell how much impact the bombings would have on tourism to Istanbul. 'It depends how long it's off sale for. If it's a long time it will have a huge impact, if it's just for a few weeks then I think travelers will return quite quickly,' he said.
A Thomson spokeswoman said that those due to go are being offered refunds or alternative destinations. 'We've cancelled all trips until December,' she added.
A Travelscene spokeswoman said: 'Two people arrived after the bombs had gone off, but they only booked accommodation with us so we are not responsible for flying them home.' The company is offering refunds or alternative destinations to 10 customers due to travel before December.
Until further notice, the British Consul in Turkey will not be able to provide the full range of services. The FO advises people planning to travel to Turkey to go to www.fco.gov.uk or call 0870 606 0290 for advice.
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