Operator seeks to calm bird flu fears
Turkey specialist operator Anatolian Sky has told its hotels to take poultry off the menu in light of the bird flu outbreak which has killed four children in the east of the country.
The move came as the company reported a downturn in sales amid claims there was “unnecessary panic” over the virus.
Managing director Akin Koc backed comments from Turkey tourist chiefs and the UN World Travel Organization that tourists were not at risk.
“I do believe there is currently some unnecessary panic with things taken out of proportion,” he said. “However, for peace of mind we have been in touch with all of our properties and advised them to avoid poultry meat and they have happily promised to do so, although we cannot guarantee this 100%. We do not want to take any risk, even if it minimal.
“Our booking figures to date are down in January which is only to be expected. But we are confident this will recover in February.”
He added the virus was found well away from tourist areas.
“The distance to the resorts is the same as from London to Vienna,” said Koc.
He claimed the virus is not able to survive above 20 degrees – and the temperature in the resorts hits between 25 and 30 degrees.
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