The Istanbul Ataturk Airport reopened one day after the June 28 terrorist attack that killed 42 people and injured at least 200 others. Data already shows that the attack has damaged an already slow summer season for Turkey—tourist arrivals fell in May for a record 10th month, and now the Turkish travel industry is headed for a 35 to 40 percent drop in income in 2016. Despite travelers’ fears, Turkey’s president, Tayyip Erdogan, is telling visitors that Istanbul is just one of many popular cities that could’ve been a target for an attack, and is no less safe than other tourist destinations. Even so, as an added safety measure the U.S. Department of State offers the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Those enrolled will also recieve updates on travel warnings and security. To read more, click here.
