Gallipoli ANZAC Day pays high price for terrorism attacks in Turkey

AUSTRALIANS are putting safety first and turning their backs on Gallipoli as terrorism attacks take a heavy toll on Turkey.

This year’s crowd at Anzac Cove will be well down on that on the 100-year anniversary in 2015, due to security concerns. Picture: Gokhan Tan/Getty Images

ANZAC DAY services in Gallipoli are expecting their smallest crowds in decades this year due to the heavy toll of terrorist attacks in Turkey.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is warning Australians to “reconsider the need to travel” to the country’s main aviation gateway of Istanbul due to the high risk of more attacks.

Although DFAT “continues to monitor” travel advice for Gallipoli, Battlefield Tour operator Mat McMachlan said very few Australians were planning to make the trip.

“We haven’t had too many enquiries about Gallipoli this year,” he said.

“I wouldn’t expect more than 20 (people to make the trip) with us. It’s normally between 100 and 200.”

Australian war historian Mat McLachlan leads Aussie tour groups to Anzac Cove. Picture: Supplied

He said many tour operators and cruise ships had dropped Gallipoli from their schedules entirely because of security concerns.

“The main hotel we use in Gallipoli has seen a 90 per cent fall in guests. It’s really sad to see and it will take years to recover,” Mr McLachlan said.

Cruise ship company Carnival Corporation, confirmed all cruise lines with scheduled port calls to Turkey in 2017 had now cancelled those calls.

A Royal Caribbean spokeswoman said they were monitoring the situation in Turkey closely and the safety of guests and crew was their top priority.

Beyond Travel business growth general manager Peter Smith said their forward bookings for ANZAC Day tours in Gallipoli were down further than anticipated.

“Due to current security situations in Turkey, it will take some time before interest comes back for Turkey in general as well as the Gallipoli peninsula,” Mr Smith said.

Australian National University counter-terrorism expert Clive Williams said the writing was on the wall for ANZAC Day this year after last year’s deadly attack on Istanbul Airport.

Armed Turkish troops guard the pilgrims attending the 2015 service at Anzac Cove. Picture: News Corp Australia

“While Gallipoli 2017 will no doubt have tight security for the ANZAC commemorations, there can be no guarantees about personal security elsewhere in Turkey, particularly in Ankara and Istanbul and at the international airports,” Professor Williams said.

“Australia’s military involvement in the US-led coalition against Islamic State makes Australians a preferred IS target both abroad and in Australia.”

Mr McLachlan said people enquiring about the safety of Gallipoli tours were told they travelled at their own risk.

“We take security very seriously but ultimately, it’s up to the travellers to decide,” he said.

“There’s always inherent risks with any sort of travel.”

The grim aftermath of the Reina nightclub terrorist attack on New Year’s Day. Picture: AP/Emrah Gurel

Visitors to Gallipoli could also have difficulty getting travel insurance if they passed through Istanbul on the way to Anzac Cove.

Travel and money expert with finder.com.au, Bessie Hassan, said policy exclusions often applied to regions with a DFAT warning of “reconsider the need to travel” such as Istanbul.

“It is possible and recommended to take out a travel insurance policy for a visit to Turkey,” said Ms Hassan, adding that basic policies started from as little as $26.

“You’re unlikely to be successful if you make a claim related to a terror incident, however you should still be covered for unrelated claims such as a medical emergency or lost luggage.”

Australian Bureau of Statistics’ data show the number of Aussies visiting Turkey halved in the year to October (27,200 arrivals), compared with the previous year (55,000).

Originally published as Gallipoli ANZAC Day pays high price for terrorism attacks in Turkey