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TURKEY – for information on property in Turkey click here.
Air Temperature: 41º C Water Temperature: 27º C
It has been announced that Turkey is the top holiday destination for 2009, this is a direct result of the pound being strong against the lira. Although Turkey is in Europe they have yet to change to the Euro, which is benefiting the UK with the pound still strong holiday prices and property prices are a lot cheaper.
This makes it the perfect opportunity to invest in property as there is a high demand for holiday rentals, which will give you a good return on your investment.
REAG Turkey: Tourism expectations for 2009 (TR)
Wednesday 4 March 2009
“After completing a successful year in 2008” says Beºir Kemal Ustaoglu, Managing Director REAG Turkey, “tourism in Turkey has entered into 2009 with sober expectations due to the effects of global financial crisis."
In 2008, the total number of visitors increased by 13% with 26 million people compared to 2007 whereas the worldwide increase remained at 3% levels. The tourism income has reached $21 billion (approx. €15.3 bln.). The sector expects a slight increase in 2009 with 27 million visitors and $22 billion tourism income. The advantageous conditions which the sector serves are the relatively low prices compared to other competitors in Mediterranean such as Spain, Italy, and Greece; quality accommodation facilities; increase in the value of Euro against TL recently. Furthermore, according to the surveys of main tourist operators in Europe, many of their clients are placing their travel expenses in the last rows of their retrenchment lists. There is also the attitude of people lowering travel expenses by the selection of cheaper tourism destinations.
However, hoteliers associations in Turkey, approach the optimistic views with sober thoughts. The increasing unemployment in the Euro zone, the increasing costs in the aviation sector, increasing costs of producing services, and potential income losses of people are some of the risky conditions which limits the positive expectations in the sector.
Many hoteliers have much positive opinions regarding Istanbul. The city was visited by appx. 7 million people in 2008 ranking between the most visited cities in the world. Even the occupancies has diminished by 5%, total number of tourists has increased by 10% compared to 2007. The number of tourists is expected to be increased over Turkey average in Istanbul as being 2010 European Capital of Culture and improved tourism infrastructure.
Furthermore, with its increasing popularity, the ancient city of Ephesus is an important attraction center. The site was between one of the most visited archeological sites in the world in 2008. The total number of visitors was appx. 1.7 million in 2008 and the number is expected to reach 1.9 million visitors in 2009.
Source: REAG
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