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ANKARA, Turkey - Reeling from the shock of massive economic losses due to the coronavirus, Turkey was optimistic that its economy would bloom through its tourism sector this year. However, the country's dreams are appearing to dash as Russia and Ukraine, the two countries making up the largest number of its tourists, are engaged in conflict.
The lack of Russian and Ukrainian tourists could result in five billion dollars damage to Turkey's tourism sector, according to a report by the Republican People's Party (CHP).
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military campaign against Ukraine early Thursday, saying Moscow would seek "demilitarisation and
denazification" of Kyiv.
"We hope the war will end soon. The current situation will particularly impact cities like Antalya, as Russians and Ukrainians visit Antalya. A negative impact has generally occurred in the sector. During the winter season, Ukrainian are interested in visiting Istanbul. This will have a negative effect on Istanbul as well," Shekip Kirk, owner of a travel company told Rudaw's Shawkat Harki.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the assault is a violation of international law.
"We are sincerely saddened by such a confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, both of which we see as close friends with whom we enjoy close political, economic and social relations," Erdogan said on Thursday.
Turkey's foreign ministry also condemned Russia's military campaign, calling on Moscow "to immediately stop this unjust and unlawful act."
When announcing the military operation, Putin threatened to retaliate against any country that interferes in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Ankara does not want to harm its relation with Russia as it imports natural gas from the country and Turkey's tourism sector relies on Russian tourists.
The lack of Russian and Ukrainian tourists could result in five billion dollars damage to Turkey's tourism sector, according to a report by the Republican People's Party (CHP).
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military campaign against Ukraine early Thursday, saying Moscow would seek "demilitarisation and
denazification" of Kyiv.
"We hope the war will end soon. The current situation will particularly impact cities like Antalya, as Russians and Ukrainians visit Antalya. A negative impact has generally occurred in the sector. During the winter season, Ukrainian are interested in visiting Istanbul. This will have a negative effect on Istanbul as well," Shekip Kirk, owner of a travel company told Rudaw's Shawkat Harki.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the assault is a violation of international law.
"We are sincerely saddened by such a confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, both of which we see as close friends with whom we enjoy close political, economic and social relations," Erdogan said on Thursday.
Turkey's foreign ministry also condemned Russia's military campaign, calling on Moscow "to immediately stop this unjust and unlawful act."
When announcing the military operation, Putin threatened to retaliate against any country that interferes in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Ankara does not want to harm its relation with Russia as it imports natural gas from the country and Turkey's tourism sector relies on Russian tourists.
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