Tourism to Turkey down 90 percent for second month

Despite Turkey's best efforts, Israeli tourists aren't returning. The number of Israelis who ventured to Turkey in July was down 90%, reaching a measly 4,500 vacationers - compared to 43,000 in July 2009, and 78,000 in July 2008.

This is the second month in a row to see such a steep drop in vacationers: In June, just 2,600 Israeli tourists visited Turkey, compared to 27,000 in June 2009, and 62,000 in June 2008.

So far this year, the number of Israelis who have traveled Turkey is down 40% compared to the parallel period in 2009, and down 56% compared to 2008.

Relations between Israel and Turkey have been on shaky ground for a while, beginning with Operation Cast Lead in the winter of 2008-2009 and worsening this year following the flotilla incident at the end of May, in which Israeli commandos killed nine Turkish citizens aboard a ship attempting to break the Gaza blockade.

Ankara has insisted that the political discord shouldn't affect the relationship between the countries' citizens, and ramped up public relations in an effort to draw back Israelis, but the latter don't seem to be biting.

Charter airline Aviation Links informed the stock exchange that Turkish hoteliers still have the $5 million it deposited at the beginning of the season to reserve rooms. The airline will be renewing flights to Turkey on a small scale, due to the low demand.

Other charter airlines have started offering package deals to Antalya once again, and reported that travelers have been expressing interest.

Sourced=haaretz