How Turkey and Rhodes Are Facing Travel Danger After A New Gamut of Earthquake Shakes Aegean Region? – Travel And Tour World

Holidaymakers in southwest Turkey and nearby Greek islands woke up on Tuesday to the unsettling effects of a powerful earthquake that struck the region in the early hours of the morning. The 5.8-magnitude quake, which occurred just south of the Turkish resort town of Marmaris, also sent tremors across the Aegean Sea, with neighboring islands such as Rhodes in Greece feeling the impact. Tragically, a 14-year-old girl lost her life in Fethiye, Turkey, reportedly due to a panic attack, as confirmed by Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya. In addition, 69 other people were injured after jumping from heights in a state of panic.

The Impact of the Earthquake on Travel in Turkey and Greece

The earthquake occurred at 2:17 AM local time on Tuesday, June 3rd, with the epicenter situated 69 kilometers (42 miles) south of Marmaris, Turkey. According to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the quake’s epicenter was deep beneath the earth, at a depth of 69 kilometers. This depth likely mitigated some of the damage, but the tremors were still felt far and wide, particularly across the surrounding regions. Rhodes, just 29 kilometers south of the epicenter, experienced heavy shaking, and other islands around the Aegean Sea, a known seismically active region, were also affected by the event.

The aftermath has led to multiple aftershocks in the region, including small tremors registering up to 2.9 in magnitude. These aftershocks have further unsettled both locals and tourists, creating an air of uncertainty around travel to the affected areas. This situation has raised crucial questions about the safety of travel to these destinations and how it may affect tourism and local economies.

Travel Advice from Foreign Authorities

Despite the occurrence of the earthquake, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not issued any new or updated travel advisories concerning the earthquake. In its latest guidance, the FCDO reminds travelers that parts of Turkey, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean region, regularly experience earthquakes and tremors. It also emphasizes that these earthquakes can cause significant damage to infrastructure and pose risks to life.

The FCDO’s general advice states that, although large earthquakes like the 6.2-magnitude one that hit the Sea of Marmara in April 2025 may be felt in major cities like Istanbul, tourists should remain alert to the possibility of aftershocks but continue their travel plans as usual. The earthquake activity in Greece, including the increased seismic activity near the Cycladic Islands earlier this year, is also acknowledged by the FCDO, with no significant disruptions expected in the coming months. Therefore, the guidance suggests that travelers to the affected regions should be aware of the risks but not feel the need to change their travel plans unless advised otherwise.

The Turkish Government’s Response to the Earthquake

In response to the earthquake, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), offering an update on the situation. According to Yerlikaya, the earthquake was felt not only in Marmaris but also across several other provinces in southwestern Turkey. He confirmed that emergency response teams, coordinated by the Governor’s office, were actively conducting field scans to assess the extent of the damage.

Minister Yerlikaya stated that, based on initial findings, no residential buildings in Marmaris had been demolished, a positive indicator for the region’s overall stability. Despite the panic and injuries caused by the tremors, the situation appeared under control. He extended his condolences to those affected by the earthquake, offering well wishes to the citizens of Turkey in the aftermath of the event. The message conveyed a sense of reassurance for both locals and tourists, as the region remains a popular travel destination.

What Does This Mean for Holidaymakers in Turkey and Greece?

For tourists with trips planned to Turkey or Greece, the situation might raise concerns about the safety of their destinations. However, Simon Calder, a renowned travel correspondent for The Independent, advises that travelers continue with their plans as usual. He points out that earthquakes of this magnitude are not uncommon in the region, and while they can be alarming, they rarely cause significant disruption to travel and tourism operations.

Calder reassures travelers that holiday companies are unlikely to allow free cancellations due to the earthquake, as the event does not constitute grounds for a full refund. However, it’s possible that, depending on availability, travelers may be able to change their holiday destination to another location, though this may involve additional costs or penalties. The key takeaway is that travelers should not overreact to the situation but stay informed and adhere to safety protocols provided by local authorities.

What to Do if You Have a Booking in the Affected Area

For those who have already booked a holiday to Turkey or Rhodes, the advice remains clear: follow the safety instructions provided by your accommodation or local authorities. Despite the tremors, flights to and from Dalaman Airport—the nearest major airport to Marmaris—continue to operate as usual. Travel services, including transfers, tours, and local attractions, are expected to function normally unless there are more significant aftershocks or damage reported in the coming days.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not issued any warnings advising against travel to the region, meaning that holidaymakers are not entitled to a refund or compensation from travel providers for canceling their trips. Tour operators like TUI, one of Europe’s largest holiday companies, have urged travelers to stay calm and follow any instructions provided by local authorities or their accommodation. These measures are in line with standard emergency procedures during seismic events.

Can You Cancel or Modify Your Booking for a Refund?

In cases like this earthquake in Turkey and Greece, where the FCDO has not changed its travel advice or issued any safety alerts, travelers will generally not be entitled to a full refund for canceled trips. TUI has stated that, in the absence of a safety-related warning, travelers will be expected to proceed with their bookings as planned and will not receive a full refund if they choose to cancel.

For travelers considering modifying their trips, there may be some flexibility. Some holiday providers might offer the possibility to change destinations or postpone trips, but this would typically be subject to availability and the provider’s policies. Travelers are encouraged to check with their travel agency or tour operator for guidance on this matter.

If you are insured, it’s important to review your travel insurance policy. Most standard travel insurance policies will not cover cancellations or changes due to earthquakes unless the FCDO changes its stance on safety in the affected areas. If a major disruption occurs or if the situation escalates, travel insurance might come into play, so it’s essential to stay updated on any changes in official travel advice.

What Should Travelers Know About the Impact on Tourism?

From a tourism perspective, the earthquake’s effects on Turkey’s Marmaris region and Greece’s Rhodes island are expected to be minimal in the long run. Both regions are highly popular with holidaymakers, and the seismic activity is unlikely to deter future travelers, especially given that the area remains an essential part of the Mediterranean tourism circuit.

That said, the earthquake has brought attention to the importance of disaster preparedness in tourism destinations, especially those located in seismically active regions. Tourists are advised to be aware of safety protocols related to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, and to familiarize themselves with evacuation routes, emergency numbers, and local guidelines. Most tourism businesses in these regions are well-equipped to manage such situations and provide tourists with the necessary support during and after an earthquake event.

The Broader Travel Implications: Seismic Activity and Global Tourism

The Aegean region, encompassing parts of Turkey and Greece, is known for its seismic activity, and while major earthquakes are rare, they can still have significant impacts on local economies and tourism industries. As travelers are increasingly aware of the risks posed by natural disasters, destinations in seismically active regions must prioritize safety and crisis management, ensuring that visitors are well-prepared and well-informed about potential hazards.

In terms of broader travel trends, the increase in seismic activity in popular tourist destinations may influence how future travelers choose their destinations. While many tourists may not be dissuaded from visiting earthquake-prone areas, others may seek safer alternatives. This is particularly true for travelers who have experienced disruptions due to natural disasters in the past or for those concerned about the environmental risks of visiting specific regions.