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NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS

Buying up in Turkey Fri, 02 Jan 2009 12:42:00 ISTANBUL - Financial Times is recommending its readers buy residential or holiday homes next year, selecting the 10 top locations, it has included Turkey’s Belek, Altınkum and Bodrum’s coasts, with an emphasis on the ’substantial and beautiful coastline’. Turkey has been rated among the 10 top locations by the Financial Times, or FT, of places people can safely buy residential or holiday homes next year. In an article, "New year, new investment?" by Liam Bailey and Nicholas Barnes, London, Paris and New York came first on FT’s 10 selected locations, in addition to a mix of city centers and resort areas. Turkey came in ninth place with "its substantial and beautiful coastline and rapidly emerging second-home market." The article published Dec. 27 said it was a strange time to be recommending places to buy a house. "But, as we move into 2009, with prices falling and more distressed sales coming onto the market, it could just about make sense. Those with money are starting to scavenge for bargains."  Turkey has a rapidly emerging second-home market and while most development has so far been aimed at mass and mid markets, higher-quality projects are beginning to appear, according to the FT.  However the FT said: "There are limits on foreign buyers, they cannot buy land of strategic, religious or cultural importance, but the country is mainly open, so long as Turks can buy in the foreigner’s country too."  Prices in prime coastal areas typically range from 1,200 to 2,600 pounds per square meter. Locations worthy of investigation include Belek, Altınkum and the less developed areas around Bodrum, said the FT article. Top Ten Altinkum Turkey - Three holidays resort in Turkey were named with top ten holiday resorts in Europe, and the poll was conducted by Thomson which is one of the biggest travel agents in UK. Marmaris ranked third, Icmeler sixth and Altinkum Didim was the seventh on the list. ___________________________________________________________ London Stansted to Istanbul - Pegasus Airlines is going daily with its London Stansted to Istanbul services from April 1 and is launching a direct weekly flight to Bodrum on May 4. The Istanbul flights, previously five times a week, will continue to depart Stansted at 12.45, arriving in Istanbul at 18.20. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- President Obama to Visit Turkey Within Weeks

Written by VOA

Monday, 09 March 2009 09:14

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says President Barack Obama will travel to Turkey within the next month. The visit could be seen as a sign of improvement in a long friendship between the two NATO allies that was strained by the 2003 invasion of Iraq. After meeting with the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Ali Babacan, U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton was keen to stress the importance of Turkey to the United States. "President Obama asked me to send a personal message as a reflection of the value of we place on our friendship with Turkey. President Obama will be visiting Turkey within in the next month or so," she said. __________________________________________________________

FEBRUARY 7TH - Easy Jet are launching new flights to Bodrum from Gatwick,effective  from 23rd april 2009. As anticipated, Low cost airlines have now arrived in Bodrum. As of April Easy Jet will fly direct from Gatwick to Bodrum three times a week.This will cement Bodrum`s position as the number one tourist destination in Turkey and give a huge boost to the property market. This is just one of the many reasons why Turkey, and in particular Bodrum should feature on any investors radar.

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February 2009 - Alanya opens Europe`s largest aqua park http://www.sealanya.com  (only 10 km to Konakli) 

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Villa for pro boxer Hurriyet Daily News BODRUM - Famous British professional boxer Ricky Hatton has bought a house in Bodrum, U.K. based Daily Star reported yesterday, arguing that cheap Guinness beer was a major factor of his decision. Hatton has splashed out on a new pad where celebrity neighbours will include footballers Andrew Johnson and Tim Cahill. The boxer, dubbed "The Hitman," paid 159,500 pounds for the 4 bedroom villa complete with its own pool  at the Flamingo Golf Resort in Bodrum, according to the report. Hatton, 30, who takes on Paulie Malignaggi in Las Vegas on Saturday, has even set up a pre-fight training camp at the resort. But one of the main reasons he snapped up the pad is that Turkey is currently home to the cheapest Guinness in Europe. A pint costs around YTL 6, the equivalent of about 2.20 pounds. Prices in most other parts of Europe especially countries that use the euro have soared due to an unfavorable exchange rate with the pound. In Britain, Guinness costs more than three pounds a pint in most pubs and 3.50 in London. A source close to Ricky told the Daily Star: "Guinness is his favourite drink. He liked Turkey anyway but when he figured out how cheap the Guinness was the purchase was a real no-brainer." The light-welterweight champ from Hyde, Manchester said: "I’ve been to Turkey and Bodrum several times and really enjoyed the place. So it makes sense to buy a villa." Flamingo Golf resort, which will have 1,400 luxury villas, is scheduled to be completed at the end of next year. ______________________________________________________________ Muğla hosts 2.9 mln tourists - Turkish Daily News - November 2008 The number of tourists who visited the Aegean city of Muğla and its surrounding areas in the first 10 months of the year is just over 2.9 million, according to official statistics. The number represents a 12 percent rise from the same term of 2007. Muğla borders include popular tourism spots like Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye. British tourists show the most interst in the city; 1.2 million Brits visited Muğla and environs in the first 10 months of this year. 28th August - Tourism in the Turkish resort of Dalaman is likely to be boosted by forthcoming accessibility improvements. Apparently  weekly flights to the popular holiday destination will be launched from Aberdeen in May. This means that Dalaman will be far more easily accessible to people living in the vicinity of the Scottish city, thereby enhancing its appeal to potential visitors. The launch of new flights to the region could also make it more attractive to prospective property investors, as growth in the tourist trade could fuel extra demand.  __________________________________________________________ BODRUM – Turkish Daily News 20th August Every Tuesday crowds stream off the Greek ferries from Kos into Bodrum`s city center for the day. The ferry-bound traffic into Bodrum hit its peak in August, delivering a United Nations of nationalities for the southern city`s busiest day, the clothes market day. Gül Bar, operations manager for Bodrum Ferryboats, said this month all six ferryboats that can operate from Kos to Bodrum are making the journey across on Tuesdays. One or two will do a double trip – returning immediately to bring a second group across for the day. Though they have not completed August she estimates that 2,100 visitors a day have arrived in Bodrum from Kos in the last three weeks on Tuesdays alone.The traffic is not one way, as Bodrum Ferryboats operates daily ferryboats and hydrofoils to Kos seven days a week. Bar estimates that 2,000 tourists a week have traveled across to Kos for a day visit, while on holidays in Bodrum so far in August. Bodrum Ferryboats also operates a daily ferry from Turgutreis to Kos all summer, and a Greek ferry brings visitors from Kos on Saturday for shopping at the sprawling Turgutreis market. ____________________________________________________________ NEWS - 16th August - Investors who want to buy a property in an emerging market have been advised to look at Turkey. According to Aston Lloyd, the European country has enjoyed an annual growth rate of more than 7% in the last 4 years. As a result, it has become one of the most popular emerging markets among foreign property buyers. This growth was said to have been fuelled by a number of factors, such as its "burgeoning" tourism industry and various legislatory reforms. The organisation added that property values in Turkey are relatively low in comparison with many more-established destinations. Joe Upchurch, director of Aston Lloyd, commented: "The obvious attraction of buying in an emerging market is that prices are generally low." According to Property Wire, the European country offers a number of lifestyle attractions such as spectacular scenery, sandy beaches and affordable living costs. As a result, it is now attracting a record number of foreign property buyers from countries such as the UK. ___________________________________________________________ NEWS - August 15th - Comedian Ricky Tomlinson has spoken positively of his decision to purchase 2 holiday homes in Turkey. The Liverpudlian star of The Royle Family recently bought houses in the resort of Altinkum, along the country`s west coast. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, he said he was drawn to Turkey by a number of factors, such as its good weather and relatively low property values. Tomlinson commented: "I think it is great that people can still aspire to buy property in Turkey at such affordable prices." He stated that the Altinkum area has a "fantastic" culture, while people have a very positive attitude towards their lives. The Scouse comic added that he hopes the region will become his second home. This comes after Shelter Offshore said that now would be a good time to buy a property in Turkey. According to the website, current market conditions "could not be better". ___________________________________________________________ NEWS - Turkey flights boost UK airport - July 30th The popularity of destinations such as Turkey has helped boost passenger numbers at a UK-based airport. Statistics have revealed that that East Midlands Airport (EMA) has seen an increase in the number of people it has handled for the ninth consecutive quarter. More than 563,000 passengers passed through its doors last month - 5% more than during the same period of 2007. This increase was said to have been fuelled by the rising popularity of places such as Turkey, which has attracted extra attention due to its favourable exchange rates. EMA commented: "More and more holidaymakers are choosing to jet abroad to more value-for-money destinations outside the eurozone." The airport added that the take-up of flights to countries outside the EU has risen by 17% in the last year. This comes after the Association of British Travel Agents revealed that the number of summer bookings for trips to Turkey has gone up by 20% this year. ___________________________________________________________  NEWS - FROM HURRIYET PAPER 2nd May 2008 - Foreigners in Turkey permitted to purchase real estate -

Parliamentary`s Justice Committee approved the government bill regarding the sale of Turkish property to foreigners on Thursday. According to approved bill, foreigners and foreign companies will be able to purchase real estate up to 10 percent of areas in the zoning plan. The bill authorizes the Council of Ministers to change the percentage --not more than 10 percent-- taking into consideration the significance of towns in terms of infrastructure, economy, energy, environment, culture, agriculture and the like.The Ministry of Public Works and Settlement temporarily halted Turkish property sales to foreigners at the beginning of April inline with a Constitutional Court ruling three months prior.The Turkish Constitutional Court had decided to cancel the provision of a law that allows the sale of real estate to foreign companies and joint ventures involving foreign firms on March 12. Following to amendment, a new regulation regarding the sale of Turkish property to foreigners was delivered to the Board of Ministers for approval.

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NEWS - Items from ship arrived in Bodrum, Friday, January 11, 2008

Ferry tours from Bodrum to Greece`s Samos Island will become operational in May in an effort to boost relations and commercial ties between Greece and Turkey, said the chairman of the Bodrum Trade Chamber. Speaking during a promotional visit to Kos Island in Greece, Mahmut Serdar Kocadon said the volume of trade between Turkey and Greece had increased from $700 million to $5 billion in the past 5 years. He said they aimed to make use of this growth in commercial relations to aid the provinces along the Aegean Sea.  “We thus prepared a common tourism package in order to promote the historical and cultural values of both countries,” he said. “We will launch the ferry tours between the Aegean costal town of Bodrum and Greece`s Samos Island this May.” Kos purchases fish from Bodrum: Georgios Kristis, Kos Trade Chamber chairman, said works were underway to promote commercial and cultural relations between Kos Island and Bodrum. Commercial trade showed an increase of 90 percent per year with neighbor Bodrum in the past 10 years in terms of tourism, yacht tourism in particular, souvenirs and construction materials. Turkish and Greek businessmen have made business agreements of around $60 million for this year.  “We still have potentially encouraging commercial relations with Bodrum. Many Greek companies and businessmen have already ventured into joint business together with their partners from Bodrum. We will expand this collaboration to other fields including sport and culture-related areas as well.” The restaurants based in the Greek islands of Leros, Kalymnos and Kos purchase their fish (sea bass and gilthead bream) from Bodrum fishermen. We want to further increase this potential, according to him.  

NEWS JANUARY 2008 - Alanya has a new airport!!!

The Turkish Transport Ministry has signed-off on a project to open Gazipasa/Alanya airport. The airport has been leased to Turkey’s premier aviation company TAV, which currently manages several other international airports in Turkey and the Middle East. The deal is for 25 years. TAV plans to extend the small, existing airport, which was built 12 years ago but never opened, for international flights and a target capacity of 3 million passengers per year. Source: www.turkishrivieranews.com/ - latest local news in English, online

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NEWS - JANUARY 2008

NEWS - JANUARY 2008

Turkey to have wide smoking ban

By David O`Byrne BBC News, Istanbul Parliament in Turkey has voted to introduce a blanket ban on smoking in enclosed public places. Banning smoking was until recently completely unthinkable in Turkey, where 40% of the adult population - 25 million people - are smokers.  But such bans are now common in Europe. Health campaigners say one in five deaths in Turkey - a major tobacco producer - is tobacco-related. Opponents say Turkey`s existing partial bans on smoking are widely flouted. The new ban will outlaw smoking in all enclosed public places, including bars, cafes and restaurants as well as taxis, trains and outdoor stadiums. It is due to come into force in about 18 months` time. _______________________________________________________________

NEWS JANUARY 2008

The Guide Istanbul January/February

NEWS - DEC 2007

 NEWS - MEDITERRANEAN SKI DREAM TO COME TRUE IN 2008 

NEWS - Foreign interest in Turkish health sector grows, Tuesday, November 27, 2007

The health sector has drawn attention to itself following a string of sales to foreign entities. Dentistanbul was sold to Global Environment Fund (GEF), 21.66 percent of Acıbadem`s shares were sold to Abraaj Capital and 60 percent of Şafak Hospitals shares were sold to Juluis Baer. Foreign funds are closely monitoring the Turkish health sector, which has reached a volume of YTL 15 billion thanks to its swift growth trend. At present, many foreign investment funds are negotiating with domestic actors. Within two years, five big groups involved in the health sector will enter into foreign partnerships, said Maruf Dindar, a partner of Daruma Corporate Finance, which realized most company mergers and partnerships in the sector. Over half of the funds that flow into Turkey for investment are oriented toward the health sector, said Dindar. Daruma Finance will act as an intermediary for two big deals in the health sector within two months, Dindar added.

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NEWS - Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Prince Charles watched the Whirling Dervishes performance with his wife Camilla, after visiting Celaleddin Rumi`s museum in Konya.

The Prince of Wales Charles arrived in Turkey yesterday accompanied by his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. They landed in Konya, the hometown of Celaleddin Rumi, the Anatolia News Agency reported. Charles, who is known for his good will and charity work for schools and foundations, visited Celaleddin Rumi`s museum. He and Camilla were given a tour of the museum by Konya Governor Osman Aydın, Mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality Tahır Akyürek, British Ambassador to Ankara Nick Baird and Selçuk University`s President Professor Süleyman Okudan

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NEWS - Turkey aims to host 25 million tourists in 2008 Thursday, November 15, 2007, LONDON - Doğan News Agency.

Turkey aims to host 25 million tourists in 2008,Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ertuğrul Günay said during the opening of World Travel Market, the world`s third largest tourism fair, in London. Günay, who held a press conference at Turkey`s stand at the fair, said the country promises more than sea and sand and aims for a big increase in the number of tourists visiting the country. “Of the 20 million people who came to Turkey this year, only 100,000 visited Mount Nemrut. Turkey has riches other than sea and sand. That is why we give priority to ‘four seasons, 12 months` tourism campaigns,” he said.  As for the 2008 tourism season, Günay said: “We plan to allocate $140-150 million for promotion this year. We will remove bureaucratic handicaps for tourism Investors.  We will make things easier for high-quality investments. But the protection of the natural environment is our priority.” Turkey is the honorary guest - Turkey will attend the 2009 Berlin Fair as the “Honorary Guest Main Country,” Günay said, adding that the “Year of Turkey” will take place in France the same year. He said they aim for 25 million tourists in 2008 and are increasing promotional activities to reach this goal. __________________________________________________________

NEWS - BODRUM TO BE SAFER......

Beaches to be under surveillance

The Mobese project, which is a massive surveillance camera system that monitors the streets for the Turkish police, will be applied in Bodrum and districts in order to assure safety. With the system, after a total expenditure of $1.5 million, security forces will closely watch all main roads, streets and famous beaches. According to Doğan News Agency, a new camera system was developed in Bodrum, which hosts approximately 5 million tourists a year, to cope with robbers, street-vendors and snatchers. After a 3-year study, the security system will be put into operation before this year`s tourism season begins. It was stated that with the Bodrum Security System, placed in 135 areas and developed with the collaborations of the Muğla Governorship, Bodrum Municipality, Bodrum Peninsula Promotion Association (BOYTAV), Bodrum Chamber of Commerce and Bodrum Market Tradesmen Association, the district will be observed 24 hours a day. The project aims to cope with illegal tourist guides, street-vendors, snatchers and noise pollution while assuring a peaceful holiday and safety. “Due to the rising complaints about robbers, street-vendors and snatchers in the recent years, we had to take such precautions,” said BOYTAV President Mehmet Kocadon. (Turkish Daily News ) ___________________________________________________________

NEWS - 19/9/07

Turkey`s property market is expected to grow by 90 per cent in 2008, Today`s Zaman reports. Property experts predict that the sector will be worth TRY 42 billion (£16 billion) by the end of 2008, while its current value stands at TRY 24 billion (£9.2 billion). Akbank Individual Banking Trade Department manager Cem Muratoglu said the calculations for growth had been made taking into consideration surrounding countries` economies.  "The real estate sector will grow by 90 per cent. We think that the gross national product (GNP) average will be around 6.5 per cent. This is not an optimistic scenario," he said. "According to some better scenarios, the GNP could rise to 8.5 per cent. While we were calculating this, we took into consideration the averages of surrounding countries such as Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland." Mr Muratoglu added that he believed the property market would grow so fast it would challenge bank`s ability to provide sufficient housing loans. He said that since 2005, some 75,000 people had become homeowners through housing loans given by banks. (Source: Today`s Zaman published in Turkey, 03.07.2007)

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NEWS - Turkey signs $210m import agreement with China.

A Chinese commercial delegation signed import agreements worth US$210 million with Turkish businessmen in Istanbul on Tuesday. Turkish Deputy Secretary of Foreign Trade Ulker Guzel expressed hope that Chinese and Turkish companies could expand cooperation in sectors such as contracting services and tourism. Chinese vice Minister of Commerce, head of the delegation, said China`s imports from Turkey reached US$500 million during the first seven months of 2007, up about 80% over the same period of last year. Ma Xiuhong said China would import more goods from Turkey and by the end of this year; the import figure is expected to exceed US$1 billion for the first time. The agreements were signed between a total of eight Chinese firms from both public and private sector and 14 Turkish companies from the Turkish Exporters` Assembly. 29/08/07

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NEWS - Investors see potential in Turkey’s election results

Foreign investors are following in the footsteps of holidaymakers, selecting Turkey as their number one destination for property investment, and the boom looks set to continue following last week’s positive elections.  Earlier in the year many investors were tentative to commit, amid fears of political unrest. However the latest elections in Turkey have changed most opinions. The appointment of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as new leader of the AKP party is seen as ‘pro-business, pro-EU’. Since the AKP party took power five years ago, the country has seen economic growth average 7 per cent annually.  AKP’s re-election has been championed by some investment critics as a catalyst for further investment in Turkey and analysts have maintained their positive views on the country. So far this year economic growth has also been strong. With the stable political situation and a growing economy, Turkey looks set to become the emerging market retail investors should seriously consider. The country has a good political environment, a healthy economy and the additional bonus of possible membership into the EU. Source; todayszaman.com 02/08/07

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NEWS...15th July 2007 - SAVVY FIRST TIME BUYERS (FTB)ARE BUYING IN TURKEY!

For many years now, savvy buyers have  been buying in countries where they believe there is a better chance to own their first home, anywhere they believe they have that chance before it is too late and prices have risen to a level that eliminates those options. Well, unfortunately for those FTBs who hesitated, certain countries like spain are priced out of the market.  SO WHAT ALTERNATIVE IS THERE? Turkey -  A vast country straddling two continents, Asia and Europe, bordered by the Mediterranean and Aegean seas on the west and south coast and the Bosphorus and the Black Sea in the north. A country full of history, mystery and intrigue, boasting in the south, the longest of summers, frequently lasting 10 out of 12 months every year. Mild winters, winter sports and every conceivable water sport you can imagine. With property values still vastly below those of Western Europe and values appreciating between 40% and up to and over 100% per annum, depending on the property and the region, it makes good sense to seriously consider investing in Turkey. SAVVY FTBS - are now starting  to spend their money in Turkey and own their first home..

NEWS... 14th July 2007 - CHEAP FLIGHTS DEPARTING FROM ENGLAND TO TURKEY - WITH VARIOUS DESTINATIONS - FOR EARLY BOOKERS FOR 2008 - www.aegeanflights.com

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NEWS ... 19th June 2007. Antalya and Mugla top choices for investment

Antalya and Mugla rely on the real estate, rental and construction business more than any other cities in Turkey after Istanbul, Turkish Daily News reports. According to information published by the Turkish Treasury, some 27 per cent of companies founded using foreign capital in 2006 were based in the two cities. Of these companies, the majority were related to tourism and included real estate, rental and construction, with the most investment in real estate seen in Antalya. Official figures suggest that 23 per cent of the real estate property in Antalya is owned by foreigners, which is calculated at about 14,610 properties. Mugla`s total tallied at 8,251. Investment in Turkey has become easier since laws governing the sale of property to foreigners were changes in 2003. Since the legislative reform, some $7.2 billion (£3.6 billion) has been invested by foreigners in Turkey.  Turkey is an attractive choice for investment because its economy is growing stronger but prices remain low.  Turkey was recently described as a "prime" location for investment in leading foreign property publication World of Property.

NEWS ... 19th June 2007. Live in Bodrum and relax

Bodrum has been featured as a top destination for foreign investment by Homes Worldwide magazine. The town`s rich history, its good flight connections and picturesque harbour are all cited as reasons to move to this city on the Aegean Sea.  A British couple who recently bought property in the area said it was an easy decision to live in Turkey`s south-west tip. "We chose the area because we loved the views and the sleepy fishing village. It`s also close to the beach ? just five minutes away by car," said Martin Webster, a builder from London. The Webster`s move was a decision they took following retirement ? a choice around one million Britons have already made and now draw their state pensions in another country. It is estimated that one eighth of British people over 55-years of age will retire abroad, attracted by the slower pace of life and stress-free environment. Bodrum is a perfect choice as it offers both the tranquillity of the harbourand the attractions of the town, not to mention historical sites such as the 15th century castle of St Peter. Getting to Bodrum is easy as it lies about 30 kilometres from Bodrum-Milas Airport and is a four-hour plane journey from the UK.

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NEWS ... 15th June 2007. Turkey offers `impressive` investment opportunities

The Turkish property market has been commended on its "impressive housing market dynamics," in a recently published report. The Global Property Guide (GPG) stated that the current economic and political situation in Turkey made it one of the most favourable and "attractive" investment opportunities in Europe. Turkey was judged aside Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary and was praised for its strong GDP growth, a government looking to introduce new reforms and no capital gains tax. Although GPG commented that prices in Istanbul are "a little high" it stressed that coastal areas were a good investment choice. "Coastal areas probably deserve a better rating than Istanbul," the report stated.  Arlette Adler of the Federation of Overseas Property Developers, Agents and Consultants recently commented that Turkey has a strong property market with "highly professional" developers.

NEWS ... 15th June 2007 US Tourist boom in Turkey

A record number of American tourists are now visiting Turkey following a decline after the 9/11 attacks in 2001, Today`s Zaman reports. Some 532,000 tourists from the US visited the country in 2006 and this year the tourist industry expects to see one million cross the border by the end of 2007. According to the Turkish Statistics Institute (Turkstat), just fewer than 47,000 Americans visited Turkey in April this year alone.  American tourists are particularly valued in Turkey as, unlike many Europeans who travel on bargain package deals, they pay more for their travel and tend to stay in higher priced accommodation. Tourists from the US also spend more on average than a European visitor to the country, as they are less likely to return and so stay for a longer time.  Turkey expects to hit its tourism targets in 2007 as the number of tourists visiting during the first two months of 2007 increased by 25.6 per cent.  The Culture and Tourism Ministry is expecting a total of 28 million tourists from across the globe in 2007 as bookings are up some 15 per cent.

NEWS … 29 May 07 Altinkum to Greece!

Altinkum launches a new ferry service on June 10th.  An official ceremony will mark the opening of the new ferry port with services going to the Greek islands of Kos, Patmos and Samos.  Good news for tourists to the region and also permanent residents who wish to renew their 3 month visa`s. 

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NEWS … 15 Mar 07 - SunExpress with frills! SunExpress launches a new scheduled service to Antalya.