Turkey Travel Alert Raised to “Orange”  Tourism Bureau Announces Contract Termination and Refund Principles

▲Turkey travel alert raised to orange, avoid non-essential travel. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong)

Reported by Lai Wenxuan / Taipei

A bomb attack occurred at Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Turkey’s largest airport, at 10 p.m. local time on the evening of the 28th. On the 29th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised the Turkey travel alert level to “orange,” advising citizens to “avoid non-essential travel.” To reduce travel disputes, the Tourism Bureau also announced the principles for handling contract termination and refunds for Turkey tour groups.

▲The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey / Sultan Ahmed Mosque. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong)

Principles for Handling Contract Termination and Refunds for Turkey Tour Groups

1. For tours departing for Turkey before July 5, passengers canceling their trips will generally be handled in accordance with Article 28-1 of the Standardized Contract for Overseas Travel, meaning that the travel agency may deduct necessary expenses already paid and may also charge passengers up to 5% of the travel cost as compensation.

2. Passengers who wish to postpone their trip or join a different group may still negotiate with the travel agency. The National Federation of Travel Agents Associations of the Republic of China will also coordinate fully. Relevant businesses are urged to adjust flexibly to accommodate passengers’ requests for itinerary changes, group transfers, or extensions, aiming to minimize losses from necessary expenses.

3. The Tourism Bureau will maintain close contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to monitor subsequent developments regarding this incident and will adjust the contract termination and refund principles for tour group passengers as appropriate.

The Tourism Bureau stated that to ensure the rights and interests of tour group participants and reduce travel disputes, on the morning of the 29th, after discussions with the Consumer Protection Committee under the Executive Yuan, the National Federation of Travel Agents Associations of the Republic of China, and the Travel Quality Assurance Association, they agreed on the principles for handling contract termination and refunds for Turkey tour groups.

▲Explosion at a Turkish airport. (Photo / ZUMAPRESS / Associated Press)

The explosion incident involved three suicide bombings at the entrance of the international terminal at 10 p.m. local time on June 28, resulting in 36 deaths and 147 injuries. The airport has been temporarily closed. After receiving the information, the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation surveyed major travel agencies operating Turkey tours. There are currently 41 tour groups in Turkey, involving 1,122 passengers, and all members have been confirmed safe after contact with tour leaders.

▲Explosion at a Turkish airport. (Photo / ZUMAPRESS / Associated Press)

The Tourism Bureau has asked travel agencies to inform tour leaders to pay attention to the safety of passengers during their Turkey travels and to monitor local developments at all times. In case of emergencies, they should immediately contact the Taiwanese Representative Office in Turkey for necessary assistance. The emergency contact number for the Taiwan Representative Office in Turkey is: (002-90) 532-322-7162.

▲Explosion at a Turkish airport. (Photo / ZUMAPRESS / Associated Press)

The Tourism Bureau reminds passengers that if they encounter consumption disputes that cannot be resolved, they may file a complaint with the Travel Quality Assurance Association of the Republic of China (Address: 11F, No. 78, Section 2, Chang’an East Road, Taipei City, Consumer Complaint Hotline: 02-25068185) or the Tourism Bureau (Address: 9F, No. 290, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Taipei City, Free Complaint Hotline: 0800211734).