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Turkey's exporters fear extended holiday may devastate their businesses

Turkey's tourism operators are overjoyed at the government decision to extend the Eid al-Adha break to 10 days, but exporters are furious at the potential loss in overseas business.
Local and foreign tourists watch International Oludeniz Air Games as they enjoy the sunny weather on a beach in Fethiye in Mugla province, Turkey October 11, 2016. Picture taken October 11, 2016. REUTERS/Kenan Gurbuz - RTSRW39
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Turkey's tourism and export sectors are the country's leading earners of foreign currency, but recent tensions in domestic and foreign politics have led to serious problems in the sectors. Their recent dispute has centered on whether upcoming official and religious holidays should be extended.

To make up for a decline in tourism revenue, tourism operators asked the government to extend the four-day Eid al-Adha holiday to 10 days, from Aug. 26 to Sept. 4. Their hope was for at least a million Turkish citizens to take vacations in the country and generate at least $350 million in tourism revenue.

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