- There is no doubt that Norwegians are excited by what Turkey can offer as a holiday destination, says Norwegian Ambassador Cecilie Landsverk.
Last year 263.000 Norwegians visited Turkey. From a population of 4.700.000, this is quite a substantial group. Most of them visit the south coast, and there is also a growing group buying apartments in the country.
Tempted by the sun guarantee
A summer in Norway does not provide a guarantee of longer periods with warmth and sun, so enjoying the warm and stabile climate is of course an important goal for Norwegians who travel to Turkey.
- But what I think is especially unique, is the possibility of combining relaxing days at the beach with visiting areas with great cultural heritage, says Ambassador Landsverk.
Travel insurance of great importance
Providing assistance to the growing amount of Norwegian tourists is an important task of the Norwegian Embassy in Ankara – especially in the summer months. For instance tourists can, as in every other country, experience to have their wallet or passport stolen.
According to the Norwegian insurance company Gjensidige, approximately 20 percent of young Norwegians have no travel insurance.
- This is alarming. In case of an accident, it can turn out much more expensive and difficult if you don’t have insurance. The importance of proper insurance cannot be overestimated, says Ambassador Landsverk.
Norwegian Ambassador Cecilie Landsverk
Cultural differences to be aware of
Unfortunately there have been some cases where Norwegian tourists have become victims of violence and sexual abuse in Turkey. The Embassy considers it of high importance to assist in these cases. Therefore the topic is also discussed every spring, as the Nordic embassies organize a meeting with tour operators on the south coast.
Ambassador Landsverk says sexual abuse is a traumatic experience, and that the Embassy treats such cases very seriously.
- It is never the victim’s fault, but it is important to be aware of cultural differences. What a Norwegian tourist considers flirting with no commitments can be comprehended differently in another country, she says.
False rumors on motives for accuses
Unfortunately there have been rumors saying that Norwegian women have accused Turkish men for sexual abuse, with the purpose of benefitting from insurance payments. However, the claim has been strongly rejected by the Norwegian insurance companies, who have released a statement on the issue.
- The statement makes it very clear that the victims of rape do not have the right for any compensation beyond the reimbursements for actual expenses for medical treatment, torn clothes and so forth. This means that claiming rape is not an easy way for getting money from insurance companies, says Ambassador Landsverk.
She however emphasizes that most tourists leave Turkey with memories of a good holiday. That people travel to the same place year after year, serves as a proof of this.
- The statistics reveal a great Norwegian attraction towards Turkey, and there is no sign of change in this matter.