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27m tourists talking Turkey

Jaimie Kanwar

Officials in Turkey are optimistic that 2008 will be the best year ever for tourism.

According to Ahmet Barut, chairman of the Turkish Hotels Federation, over 27 million people are expected visit Turkey during 2008.

Mr Barut enthused: "The country is already attracting more holidaymakers than it did in 2007. Indeed, visitor numbers during the first half of the year were 15 per cent higher than those recorded 12 months earlier.

"As a result, I am optimistic about the overall figure for 2008 exceeding the amount recorded a year ago".

Such a huge influx of people will be a dream come true for investors who own property in Turkey.  And prospective investors can still get in on the act as Turkey is such an inexpensive place to buy.

Sean Gillic, Managing Director of Turkish Property Invest agrees: ‘Compared to many European countries, property in Turkey is inexpensive.

"Whilst it is always possible to find emerging markets where prices will be lower, Turkey stands out by way of its demographic, economic and cultural constituents.

‘This is a country of 70 million people, of which more than 50% are under the age of 35. Highly educated and highly aspirational, they ensure that a local market is and will continue to be a reality.

"Whilst a modern infrastructure already exists, both on a national and local level, the government is committed to infrastructure upgrades as well as environmental consciousness".