80% of Israelis ignore warnings against Kemer, Antalya vacations

Israel Tourist and Travel Agents Association: Cancellation fees could reach 100% shortly.

Despite warnings by Israel's National Security Council counter terrorism headquarters, 80% of Israeli tourists have not changed their plans, and will visit Turkish vacation sites in Kemer and Antalya, which the warning specifically mentioned.

20% of tourists sought to change their destination to Bodrum, which lies outside the area of the warning, or to other sites in Cyprus or Bulgaria. Very few tried to cancel their vacations at the risk of paying full cancellation fees.

Those seeking to change their travel destinations will also have to pay fully for the change, even though the change is due to security reasons

A change in vacations this week will cost a $200 fee. Those leaving for Turkey next week who wish to change their destinations will have to pay $150, and those changing the destinations in the last week of the month will be charged a $100 cancellation fee. Travel agencies said that hotels in Turkey were demanding the payments, which would be transferred directly to them, while local travel agencies were not demanding payment for changes.

3,000 Israelis a day visit Turkish vacation areas, particularly Antalya, on thirteen daily flights. 350,000 Israeli tourists visit Turkey annually, some of whom are making repeat visits to the country.

The Israel Tourist and Travel Agents Association today authorized travel agencies to charge passengers canceling flights to Turkey because of the warning a cancellation fee.

Cancellation fees are likely to reach 100% for vacation packages ordered for the coming days.

In another announcement published today at noon, the Tourist Association said that despite the warning by the National Security Council, cancellation of scheduled flights to Antalya was not being considered at the moment. Passengers who ordered vacation flights to Antalya will leave at the scheduled time.

Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on August 9, 2005

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