Russian tourists return to Turkey as others stay away

Significance

An informal rapprochement between Turkey and Russia has lifted Moscow's ban on holidays in Turkey, implemented after Turkish jets downed a Russian warplane last November. However, an attack on Istanbul's main airport less than a day after the Russian deal was announced left 45 dead and has been blamed on Islamic State group (ISG). The third attack targeting tourists this year, it has demonstrated that Turkey faces an uphill struggle both in dealing with Islamist extremism, and in convincing foreigners that it is safe to visit.

Impacts

• Russian tourists are rushing to book holidays, but the summer total will be much lower than the 700,000 visitor average of previous years.
• Unless a new peace initiative with Kurdish separatists is launched, they could focus attacks on the tourism sector.
• Restrictions on media freedom will make it harder to combat negative publicity about Turkey.