Holidays to Turkey look set to be popular in 2009

Figures from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism comparing 2008 to 2007 have revealed a 12% increase in the total amount of overseas visitors to Turkey, with a further 20% rise in the number of British tourists alone expected to visit Turkey this year according to an undersecretary of the Tourism Ministry.

The statistics, which confirmed 26.3 million tourists visited Turkey in 2008, of which 2.17 million were from Britain, indicate positive news for the Turkish tourism industry which is reported to have been increasing steadily over the last few years as the country has opened up and accessibility has improved.

According to travel agents Thomas Cook, which offer a range of cheap holidays, travel deals, short breaks worldwide, faraway package holidays, last minute deals, plus much more; holidays in Turkey are the hottest ticket this summer.

Thousands of Britons, as well as US President Barack Obama, are expected to visit this non-euro destination this year. Indeed, Turkey is said to be the ideal family holiday location, offering numerous beach resorts, a favourable climate, good quality accommodation, water sports and land-based activities and a lower cost of cost living compared to western European resorts.

In recognition of the importance of tourism to the growing Turkish economy, the Culture and Tourism Ministry has unveiled ambitious aims for 2023, including the creation of nine cultural and tourism zones along with seven tourist development corridors in order to attract 40 million visitors. Further plans include an additional airport, eleven cruise ports, ten tourism cities and nine marinas to be completed by 2013.

Of course one of the main appeals of holidays to Turkey in 2009 is affordability since the country has been relatively unaffected by the weakening of the pound against the euro due to the fact that Turkey is not part of the euro zone.

As a result, accommodation in Turkey remains affordable and the cost of living low. There are also a range of discounted package holidays now available, particularly for holidaymakers who are willing book last minute holidays.

With direct scheduled and charter flights to Turkey from the UK being operated every day; holiday hotspots such as the Bodrum Peninsula on the Aegean coast and Antalya on the Mediterranean coast, are highly accessible for British holidaymakers.

Indeed, from the end of May, seat-only travel operator, Avro, will be offering extra charter flights to Antalya throughout the summer holiday season in order to meet the increased level of demand.

Meanwhile, an agreement has been reached which will see the start of direct flights to Turkey from Canada, while Turkish flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, will introduce new flights to New York, Singapore, Johannesburg and Seoul. This increased access to the US in particular is much welcomed in light of the recent "Unlimited Turkey" tourism campaign operating Stateside.

All of this positive news for Turkey's tourism sector in 2009 is equally good news for those who own a second home in Turkey. Some 73,000 foreign nationals - mainly Britons, Germans and Greeks - reportedly own property in Turkey, principally along the Mediterranean and Aegean coastlines. Meanwhile, interest in owning property for retirement purposes, for use as a holiday home or for buy to let investment purposes, continues to be strong.

Joseph Upchurch, the managing director of real estate developer Aston Lloyd which has a number of projects in Turkey, comments: "As a company, Aston Lloyd has a great deal of confidence in Turkey, and the returns we can offer our investors. Two Aston Lloyd developments are under construction with one nearing completion, which is a positive reflection on the strength of Turkey and the opportunities that exist for investors looking to make real returns in turbulent times.

"Turkey is one of the top places in the world to buy property right now. We are building off the back of in-depth analysis, not speculation, which is why developments in emerging markets, such as Turkey, are still able to continue building, unlike other parts of the world which has seen projects being put on hold or pulled altogether."

Those who currently own property in Turkey available to rent in tourism locations such as Antalya, look set to be benefit this year as holiday villa rentals become increasingly popular.

The mixture of quality accommodation in top holiday hotspots as well as the flexibility of your own villa rental is highly appealing to families or those looking for a more bespoke holiday.

As the undefeated former world super middleweight champion boxer and Aston Lloyd investor, Joe Calzaghe CBE, comments: "(When making a property investment) the main thing for me is location and value for money. I've chosen places that have a lot of tourism because you want to know you can rent it out. I've also chosen places I would want to go myself, including beautiful countries like Turkey."

For more information about buying in Turkey, visit www.astonlloyd.co.uk

Information courtesy of AB Property Marketing Ltd., and Aston Lloyd and Partners International

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