Polish travel agencies have hit problems, with their debts rising and client numbers falling amid fear of terrorist attacks, the PAP news agency has reported.

During the second half of last year, the debts of travel agencies rose by more than PLN 3 million, according to Poland’s National Debt Register.

In the first week of this year, travel agencies saw a 27 percent fall in the number of clients compared to the same period a year ago, according to the Polish Tour Operators Association.

“Over the last two years the tourism industry had been recouping its losses and it seemed that this trend would continue,” said Maciej Ameljan, the vice-president of Rzetelna Firma, a company that supports firms in building a positive image and solid business credentials.

“Some of the most popular destinations were Egypt, Tunisia and Turkey – many agencies organized tours only there. After [terror] attacks, interest in these trips has fallen… hitting the finances of many [tour] organizers,” Ameljan added.