Tour operators say political row not deterrent for German tourists

German tourists have not paid attention to statements by German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, who has brought the recent political tension between Turkey and Germany to an economic level, warning Germans against travelling to Turkey.

Tour operators who have been sending tourists to Turkey have announced that the warnings by Gabriel have not had a negative impact on German tourists who are planning to travel to Turkey and that they are experiencing great intensity in last-minute bookings. The TUI Group, the largest travel and tourism company in Europe, noted that Turkey is the most popular destination for those who make last-minute bookings and the preferred country.

In addition, Thomas Cook, one of the largest tour operators in Europe, announced that they have been experiencing intensity in Turkey bookings in the past weeks, stating that politically driven suggestions do not affect tourism. Moreover, German tourism operator DER Touristik noted that Gabriel's travel warnings have not had any impact on Turkey and that they have not experienced any booking cancellations, adding that tour sales to Turkey increased in the past weeks.