Russia had banned the sales of package tours and halted charter flights to Turkey, dealing a heavy blow to the country's vital tourism industry. Moscow also banned most food imports from Turkey and introduced other restrictions.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sent the apology letter to Putin on Monday, the day before suicide bombers attacked the main airport in Istanbul. Putin called Erdogan yesterday to express his condolences for the airport attack and announced lifting the tourism ban.