British holidaymakers have been issued an important travel warning as a thrill-seeking activity poses safety risks abroad.
Following a series of fatal incidents involving British nationals, the UK Government updated its travel advice for Turkey, adding new warnings about the risks of extreme sports.
The Middle Eastern country remains a popular destination among thrill-seeking tourists enjoying adventure activities, like paragliding.
The Foreign Office advisory now specifically warns of the dangers associated with the sport, following incidents involving Britons.
The Foreign Office advisory now specifically warns of the dangers associated with this extreme sport
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The updated guidance warned that “paragliding is an extreme sport and carries the risk of serious injury or death”.
Officials noted that British tourists have suffered fatal and serious injuries while participating in the activity in Turkey.
The updated travel advice provided specific safety guidance for tourists considering trying the sport.
The Foreign Office advised that tourists should “make sure [they] are given full instructions and training before [their] activity”.
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The Government also recommended broader precautions for all extreme sports, stating that tourists should “check that adequate safety precautions are in place” and “only use reputable operators”.
Travellers were reminded to ensure their travel insurance covers them for all activities and to carefully read policy details, “especially the small print and exclusions”.
The advisory also included a warning for tourists who may not be participating in paragliding but find themselves near landing zones.
The Foreign Office cautioned that “the landing area may be in a public area” where tourists might be present.
For personal safety, the Government advised visitors to “keep a reasonable distance from potential landing zones”.
For personal safety, the Government has advised visitors to ‘keep a reasonable distance from potential landing zones’
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This guidance recognised that even bystanders can be at risk from paragliding activities, particularly in popular tourist areas where these sports take place.
The Foreign Office advised tourists to thoroughly research operators before booking any adventure activities.
These warnings form part of the UK’s broader travel advice for Turkey, which aims to help British nationals stay safe while visiting the popular holiday destination.
There are some parts of Turkey the Foreign Office advises against all travel to. Currently, there is specific travel advice available for the Turkey-Syria border, the Hakkari province in south-east Turkey and Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey. For full travel advice, visit the FCDO website.
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