Relationship between terrorism and tourism: Reflections on Turkey

Terrorist actions of which severity increased in the last century have become one of the most important common problems of human being. Terrorist actions increasing in the international level and convulsing the world after 9/11 attacks are also one of the important issues of the last three decades of Turkey. Tourism is the sector most adversely affected by terror. This study carried out with literature survey method aims to reveal the effects of terrorism on tourism in Turkey, in particular, and in the world, in general. In this study, main features of the terror phenomenon and general structure of tourism are discussed primarily. Afterwards, the effects of terror on global tourism and Turkey are discussed. Turkey has faced the cold facet of terror upon the actions of ASALA in 1980s and then PKK organization. The terrorist actions of these organizations caused and still continue to cause deaths as well as negative effects on domestic and international tourism as in many sectors. Terrorist actions caused periodic decreases in tourism incomes. International and national introduction campaigns must be carried out to reduce the negative effects of terror. Also, tourism promotion policies must be effectively implemented by the state to balance the regional development distribution of the tourism sector in Turkey.In conclusion, it was found that terrorist actions had negative short-time effects on tourism in global terms but the effects disappeared in the long term.Key Words: Terrorism, Tourism, Turkey