Gallipoli travel warning ignored

By ALAN PERROTT

European travel agencies catering to New Zealanders and Australians on their OEs are ignoring warnings from the two countries' Governments against travelling to Turkey for Gallipoli commemorations.

Dean Murphy, manager of London-based Backpacker.co, said he was travelling to Gallipoli and expected to feel safer there than he did in London.

"The Turks run it like a military operation," said the expat from Palmerston North. "It's so secure we feel very comfortable about going.

"For me it feels more dangerous living in London than attending the dawn service. We have taken the Government warnings on board, but we also stay in contact with the Turkish Government. There has been no direct threat made and they have assured us they will have extra security there to protect us."

Mr Murphy said their company would handle about 500 of the 5000 Britain-based tourists expected to travel to Turkey for Anzac Day.

He did not expect the travel warnings to dent numbers travelling from England, but estimated the turnout from New Zealand and Australia to fall from 15,000 to 10,000.

Erdal Pirol, from Jasminne Tours in Istanbul, said bookings were lower this year.

"We have only a small group going, about 25. This year is not so busy, it has been quiet. We have heard your Government is saying 'don't go to Turkey, it is not a safe country', but there is no problem here."

Mr Pirol will be travelling to Gallipoli with their tour group.

The warnings issued by New Zealand and Australia followed reported threats against the British Consulate-General, HSBC Bank and synagogues in Istanbul.

New Zealanders travelling to Turkey have been advised to be very careful, particularly in commercial and public areas.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website said there was no information about a specific threat, but they had been warned about possible terrorist attacks in Istanbul, Ankara and other Turkish centres.

Herald Feature: Anzac Day

Anzac photo exhibition: