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After bilateral relations normalised and Russia lifted its ban on package holidays, Turkey began regaining its position as the most popular holiday destination. However, the failed coup attempt on 15–16 July reduced Russian tourists' willingness to visit Turkish resorts.
It also affected plans to resume charter flights. According to Maya Lomidze, executive director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, charter services planned for July–August 2016 will probably not resume this year. The absence of charter flights, which could halve holiday costs in Turkey, will further weaken already low demand.
Russian tour operators forecast no more than 100 thousand Russian visitors this season, compared with 3.5 million in 2015.
How has Turkey's situation affected Bulgaria? Analysts note that many tourists found alternatives to Turkey, Egypt and Tunisia this year. A substantial share chose Bulgaria, where this season 10 million tourists are expected.
Tourism Minister Nikolina Angelkova also noted that Turkish visitors to Bulgarian seaside resorts in 2016 increased by 10% compared with the previous year.
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