Print

2008: A bumper year for Turkey?

According to the latest figures, Turkey is in the midst of a record year for tourism and investment.

2008 looks like being a bumper year for the Turkish tourist industry with early arrivals up 18% and experts predicting over 27 million visitors by the end of the year.

Record numbers of property buyers are also being attracted by the country's spectacular scenery, sandy beaches and excellent value for money.

Official Government figures show over 20,000 British-owned properties concentrated largely in the established coastal resorts of Kusadasi, Altinkum, Bodrum and Fethiye.

It is also possible to find some great property in quieter areas, away from the package tourist crowds.

In this regard, Dominic Whiting, editor of the Buying in Turkey Guide, highlighted the town of Dalaman: "Over 750,000 British tourists passed through Dalaman airport last year on their way to the main resorts".

"Although Dalaman town itself isn't particularly picturesque, it offers a slice of authentic Turkish life and the surrounding countryside is extremely beautiful and there is a lot to do."