According to him, the number of deaths increased compared to last year, due to the general increase in the flow of Russian tourists in Turkey.
“As of today, 88 deaths have been recorded, as well as about 40 facts of medical evacuation. This is due to the increasing tourist flow from Russia, ”said Yerkhov.
He said that in 2018, about 6 million Russians visited Turkey, this year this indicator is expected to grow.
The Russian ambassador noted that most deaths occur as a result of an exacerbation of cardiovascular diseases amid changing weather and climate conditions.
“We are talking about people of old age ... Hot, stuffy, high humidity. Hence the heart attacks, strokes and much more, ”he said.
In addition, Yerkhov said that in recent years, accidents involving tourist buses that have led to deaths have become more frequent in Turkey.
The ambassador urged the Russians to follow the rules of the road and use the services of a transfer and purchase excursions only from trusted travel agencies and avoid dubious offers.
Among other reasons for the high mortality of tourists from Russia, he called alcohol abuse and ignoring basic safety standards.
At the end of July, Russian Consul General Oleg Rogoza announced dozens of Russian tourists who died in Antalya in 2019.
Maya Lomidze, executive director of the Association of Russian Tour Operators, said in an interview with the NSN that statistics from insurance companies show that the main reason for the tragedies is the state of health of Russians.