Bulgaria has turned to golf, a sport not too popular in the country until now, looking to attract affluent tourists. Golf tourism development is very important - the regular tourist usually spends from 50 to 100 € a day, while the golf tourist would rather spend from 400 to 500 €.

Without quality golf courses Bulgaria will remain a cheap destination. It will continue to attract tourist flows, but without any major impact on the economy, this is about to change!

BULGARIA – Take a look at our Properties in Bulgaria.
Temperatures:  Summer:  26 C / 35 C   Winter:  -5 C / -10 C

Bulgarian construction sector can grow by an annual 12 to 15 per cent over the next four or five years, as long as the Government succeeds in providing an adequate regulatory framework that would benefit everyone - from large investors to end-consumers, deputy regional development minister Savin Kovachev said, as quoted by Stroitelstvo Gradut weekly.

Sofia attracted about half of Bulgaria’s foreign direct investment FDI) and generated 30% of its gross domestic product (GDP), architect Atanass Tossev, who is a member of Bulgaria’s Chamber of Architects (BCA)’ managing board, said.

The Bodrum peninsular is one of Turkey's most popular areas for property buyers - and that doesn't look like changing in 2008.

Bodrum has a great choice of property - from city centre apartments to sea view villas or multi-million pound palaces; along with excellent nightlife, entertainment, dining and leisure facilities. Along with thousands of British and European tourists, Bodrum attracts the cream of Turkish society, who come each summer to see and be seen.

Local planning controls limit the height of building but there has been a lot of development in recent years. This makes choosing a high-quality property in a good location essential if you intend to rent or resell. Avoid the cheaper re-sale properties, which are often poor quality. Buy from a well-established company with a proven track record of sales to foreigners.

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