Turkey reports 90% drop in Israeli tourists

Turkish Tourism and Culture Ministry says only 2,600 Israelis visited country in June, compared with over 27,000 in June 2009

Associated Press|Published: 08.07.10 , 10:37

Turkey says the number of Israeli visitors dropped by 90% in June compared to the same period last year.

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Antalya mayor calls on Israelis to return

According to the figures posted on Turkey's Tourism and Culture Ministry website Thursday, only 2,600 Israelis visited Turkey in June, compared to just over 27,000 in June 2009.

Israel advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Turkey after a May 31 Israeli commando raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla sparked public outrage. The raid killed nine Turks and a Turkish-American.

Israel lifted the warning last month, citing an end to protests over the raid.

However, the Counter-Terrorism Bureau did advise Israeli in Turkey to stay away from any ongoing protests, and to avoid being dragged into political debates with locals.

They were also warned not to stand out, not to speak Hebrew in places that seem unsafe, and not to carry any signs that give away their Israeli identity.