Ankara, Sep 28 (IANS): The Turkish tourism ministry has revealed a new support package to overcome losses, the media reported on Monday.

The ministry will offer financial support to travel agencies carrying tourists from 13 countries, including Russia, Iran and Ukraine, through charter airlines, Hurriyet Daily News reported.

“Our ministry has decided to offer support to travel agencies with the A Group certificate, which carry tourists through charter flights, in order to prevent any further flight and reservation cancellations and to slash any further negative effects on the sector due to economic problems in Russia,” a ministry statement said.

The ministry also said several airports will be under the support package’s coverage, including airports in Gazipasa-Alanya, Antalya, Dalaman, Bodrum and Izmir.

Travel agencies need to submit their proposals and the required documents to become qualified for the support, which lasts until November 30, according to the statement.

“The A Group travel agencies that make charter flights carrying at least 100 passengers from the aforementioned countries to the aforementioned airports will benefit from the support,” the statement added.

According to official data, in 2011 Turkey attracted over 31.5 million tourists, ranking the sixth most popular tourist destination in the world.

However, due to rise in violence and extremism in the country, there was a 2.25 percent decline in tourism in first half of this year.