Latest news with #MehmetErsoy
Daily Mirror
29-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful European country attracting 4.8m Brits hit with 'risky' FCDO warning
A beautiful country with white-sand beaches, ubiquitous history and acclaimed waterparks aims to attract almost five million British tourists this year - despite a fresh FCDO travel warning A beautiful country reaping the benefits of escalating anti-tourist sentiment in hotspots like Spain and Greece is slated for a record-breaking number of visitors this year. Spanning across West Asia and Southeast Europe, Turkey (Türkiye) boasts a balmy climate, sugar-like sand, cobalt waters, and acclaimed water parks - making it a great seaside resort. Istanbul is a great alternative for those not so keen on spending their entire holiday on the beach, and is filled with unique architecture, a rich history - and bustling markets. Last month, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy stated Turkey was witnessing 'signs of new records in tourism' as it attempts to bolster its appeal as a holiday destination. "Turkey has become the country with the highest number of early reservations in Germany," the politician added. "We aim to welcome over seven million visitors from both Russia and Germany this year. Additionally, we expect 4.8 million visitors from the UK in 2025." However, on Tuesday, May 27 - the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) updated the 'safety and security' section of its travel advice for the country. Under the subheading 'taxi safety', the body warned: "Accepting lifts from drivers of unofficial taxis is highly risky." It advised Brits to make sure they only travel in a registered taxi, and urged holidaymakers to make a note of the registration number before entering the vehicle - as well as checking the fare is metered. "App-based taxis and pre-booked taxis are also widely available," the FCDO added. At the time of writing, the FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to 'fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism'. This is due to on-going conflict with its neighbouring country, and follows extremist groups such as Daesh which have previously targeted border crossings near Turkey. "Most terrorist attacks have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul," the FCDO states. "You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities." Other warnings include pickpocketing, counterfeit banknotes, drink spiking, and sexual assault. Among the 4.4 million Brits that travelled to Turkey last year - 56 cases of sexual assault, including rape, were reported to British consular staff. "The majority of cases that have been reported took place during the tourist season in coastal resort areas," the FCDO adds. "Often these crimes were committed by someone the victim may have met during the day, with a significant number being by hotel or spa staff. There have also been sexual attacks on minors visiting toilet facilities alone. Be extra vigilant in these situations." While same-sex sexual activity is legal in Turkey, many parts of the country are 'socially conservative'. This means showing public affection could result in 'unwelcome attention'.
Wales Online
12-05-2025
- Wales Online
Canary Islands expecting bleak summer amid violence warnings
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A significant drop in hotel reservations this summer is sparking concern in the Canary Islands. Last year, 6.2 million international tourists were drawn to Tenerife - attracted by its consistently warm weather, affordable alcohol, sandy beaches, and renowned water park. But the influx was met with strong opposition from disgruntled locals. They claim they're being pushed out of the housing market due to the skyrocketing demand for holiday rentals. There are also worries about boisterous tourists ruining the island's national parks and congesting the roads. A series of protests erupted across Spain with exasperated residents telling holidaymakers to "go home". Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community Earlier this year, The Mirror reported on Spain's "grim" pledge to tourists ahead of the bustling summer season, as activists promised to escalate their actions against sun-seeking Brits. This follows a growing anti-tourist sentiment throughout the country, which has even turned violent. In March, a chilling sign threatening to "Kill A Tourist" was seen in Tenerife. Reports later surfaced that protesters had gone to the extreme of setting rental cars ablaze to convey their stark message, reports the Mirror. But despite a strong start to the year with 775,205 international visitors flocking to the Canary Islands in January, marking a 3.05 per cent increase from 2024, it seems that holidaymakers are now heeding warnings as tourism operators report a downturn in bookings for the upcoming summer season. During the Easter holidays, amid industrial action, Pedro Aldonso, president of the CEOE business association in Tenerife, reportedly highlighted the fragility of the industry, saying "every small collapse has an echo in trust". He emphasised the importance of confidence, stating: "When confidence falls, investment comes to a halt," and called for a return to "dialogue, trust, and common sense". The Canarian Weekly quoted the tourism chief as saying: "This is not about making headlines. It's about safeguarding jobs," suggesting that the current dip could be swiftly countered by a rise in "last-minute" holiday reservations. Spain's deepening housing crisis and upcoming protests against tourism may inadvertently boost lesser-known destinations such as Turkey, which anticipates a record influx of tourists this year. Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy previously announced that Turkey is experiencing a surge in visitors, particularly from Russia, Germany, and the UK. And the politician highlighted Turkey's popularity, stating: "Turkey has become the country with the highest number of early reservations in Germany." He set ambitious targets: "We aim to welcome over seven million visitors from both Russia and Germany this year. Additionally, we expect 4.8 million visitors from the UK in 2025."
North Wales Live
12-05-2025
- North Wales Live
Canary Islands expecting bleak summer amid violence warnings
A significant drop in hotel reservations this summer is sparking concern in the Canary Islands. Last year, 6.2 million international tourists were drawn to Tenerife - attracted by its consistently warm weather, affordable alcohol, sandy beaches, and renowned water park. But the influx was met with strong opposition from disgruntled locals. They claim they're being pushed out of the housing market due to the skyrocketing demand for holiday rentals. There are also worries about boisterous tourists ruining the island's national parks and congesting the roads. A series of protests erupted across Spain with exasperated residents telling holidaymakers to "go home". Earlier this year, The Mirror reported on Spain's "grim" pledge to tourists ahead of the bustling summer season, as activists promised to escalate their actions against sun-seeking Brits. This follows a growing anti-tourist sentiment throughout the country, which has even turned violent. In March, a chilling sign threatening to "Kill A Tourist" was seen in Tenerife. Reports later surfaced that protesters had gone to the extreme of setting rental cars ablaze to convey their stark message, reports the Mirror. But despite a strong start to the year with 775,205 international visitors flocking to the Canary Islands in January, marking a 3.05 per cent increase from 2024, it seems that holidaymakers are now heeding warnings as tourism operators report a downturn in bookings for the upcoming summer season. During the Easter holidays, amid industrial action, Pedro Aldonso, president of the CEOE business association in Tenerife, reportedly highlighted the fragility of the industry, saying "every small collapse has an echo in trust". He emphasised the importance of confidence, stating: "When confidence falls, investment comes to a halt," and called for a return to "dialogue, trust, and common sense". The Canarian Weekly quoted the tourism chief as saying: "This is not about making headlines. It's about safeguarding jobs," suggesting that the current dip could be swiftly countered by a rise in "last-minute" holiday reservations. Spain's deepening housing crisis and upcoming protests against tourism may inadvertently boost lesser-known destinations such as Turkey, which anticipates a record influx of tourists this year. Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy previously announced that Turkey is experiencing a surge in visitors, particularly from Russia, Germany, and the UK. And the politician highlighted Turkey's popularity, stating: "Turkey has become the country with the highest number of early reservations in Germany." He set ambitious targets: "We aim to welcome over seven million visitors from both Russia and Germany this year. Additionally, we expect 4.8 million visitors from the UK in 2025."
Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Daily Record
Spain's tourism crisis deepens as Tenerife hotel bookings 'slump' amid local protests
Tenerife has seen a notable 'slump' in hotel bookings, as growing anti-tourist sentiment and planned demonstrations against international visitors continue to rock the Canary Island. There's growing concern on one of Spain's most popular holiday destinations due to a significant drop in hotel bookings. Last year, Tenerife attracted a whopping 6.2 million international visitors, drawn by its consistently warm weather, affordable alcohol, sandy beaches, and renowned water park. However, the influx was met with strong opposition from locals, who claim the surge in demand for holiday rentals is pricing them out of the property market. Additional worries about rowdy tourists damaging the island's national parks and causing traffic congestion have led to widespread protests across Spain, with disgruntled locals demanding that holidaymakers 'go home'. Earlier this year, The Mirror reported on Spain's grim warning to tourists ahead of the busy summer season, as activists pledged to ramp up their actions against sun-seeking Brits. This comes amid rising anti-tourist sentiment nationwide, which has even turned violent at times. In March, a chilling sign reading 'Kill A Tourist' was spotted in Tenerife. There were later reports of protesters going to extreme lengths to convey their message, including setting rental cars on fire. While tourists initially seemed unfazed by the escalating tensions at the start of the year, with 775,205 international visitors flocking to the Canary Islands in January - a 3.05-per cent increase from 2024, it seems holidaymakers are finally heeding the warnings. the Mirror. Pedro Aldonso, president of the CEOE business association in Tenerife, spoke about the recent industrial action during the Easter holidays and reportedly cautioned that 'every small collapse has an echo in trust'. He said: "When confidence falls, investment comes to a halt," he said, as he urged for a return to 'dialogue, trust, and common sense'. According to Canarian Weekly, the tourism chief added: "This is not about making headlines. It's about safeguarding jobs," suggesting that the slump could be swiftly rectified by a surge in 'last-minute' holiday bookings. Spain's deepening housing crisis and planned protests against tourism could benefit destinations like Turkey, which is anticipating a record-breaking number of visitors this year. As previously reported, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy said the country was experiencing a tourist boom - especially amongst Russian, German, and UK holidaymakers. The politician added: "Turkey has become the country with the highest number of early reservations in Germany. "We aim to welcome over seven million visitors from both Russia and Germany this year. Additionally, we expect 4.8 million visitors from the UK in 2025." Protestors have even defaced hugely important heritage sites on the isle of Majorca. Police are seeking the individual or group responsible for spraying explicit messages on buildings visited every day by tourists. The graffiti, which is in Catalan but in English means "f***ing tourists" and "get out of our city" has appeared in an area of high monumental and cultural value in the Majorcan capital of Palma. One of the buildings attacked is the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, which dates back to the 14th century, and is the official residence of the King and Queen during their stays in Majorca. Together with the Cathedral of Palma it is a landmark of the capital of the Balearic Islands.
Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Canary Island tourism chaos as hotel bookings 'slump' ahead of 'bleak' summer
Following escalating anti-tourist sentiment, planned protests, and vows of a 'bleak' summer, it appears holidaymakers are ditching one of their favourite Spanish islands this summer Concern is rapidly growing in one of Spain's most popular islands following a notable 'slump' in hotel bookings. Last year, a staggering 6.2 million international visitors flocked to Tenerife - lured by its consistently balmy temperatures, cheap booze, sandy beaches, and world-famous water park. However, the influx was met with harsh resistance from fed-up locals, who argue they're being priced out of the property market thanks to the soaring demand for holiday rentals. Concern over rowdy tourists spoiling the island's national parks and clogging up the roads added to the furore, resulting in a slew of protests across Spain - with frustrated residents demanding holidaymakers 'go home'. Earlier this year, The Mirror reported Spain's 'bleak' promise to tourists ahead of the busy summer period, as activists vowed to 'intensify' their actions against sun-worshipping Brits. It follows escalating anti-tourist sentiment across the nation, which has even taken a violent turn. Back in March, a terrifying sign threatening to 'Kill A Tourist' was spotted in Tenerife. Reports later emerged that demonstrators had gone as far as setting fire to rental cars to get their stark message across. While tourists seemed undeterred by the rising tensions at the beginning of the year (with 775,205 international visitors heading to the Canary Islands in January - a 3.05 per cent increase from 2024) it appears holidaymakers are finally listening to demands. Now, tourism operators have reported a decrease in bookings on the island, particularly for the upcoming summer season. Speaking about recent industrial action during the Easter holidays, Pedro Aldonso, president of the CEOE business association in Tenerife, reportedly warned that 'every small collapse has an echo in trust'. "When confidence falls, investment comes to a halt," he said - urging for a return to 'dialogue, trust, and common sense'. According to Canarian Weekly, the tourism boss added: "This is not about making headlines. It's about safeguarding jobs," arguing the slump could be quickly resolved by a surge in 'last-minute' holiday bookings. Spain's worsening housing crisis and planned demonstrations against tourism could benefit under-appreciated destinations like Turkey, which is expecting to witness a record-breaking number of visitors this year. As previously reported, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy said the country was welcoming a tourist boom - especially amongst Russian, German, and UK travellers. "Turkey has become the country with the highest number of early reservations in Germany," the politician added. "We aim to welcome over seven million visitors from both Russia and Germany this year. Additionally, we expect 4.8 million visitors from the UK in 2025."
