Turkish Tourism

Turkey’s tourism sector has accelerated in the past few years and is beginning to gain global recognition. While all other European destinations suffered as a direct impact from the current economic climate, Turkey’s tourist numbers have increased considerably. In the first quarter of 2009, tourism expenditures increased 11.3% compared to the same period the previous year and the ABTA have recorded just over 25% more tourists visiting the country this year, even witnessing an increase in US visitors; a feat few nations can claim to have accomplished during this difficult economic period.

Turkey offers plenty of activities for holiday makers around the globe. Turkey’s Mediterranean climate and pristine beaches attract visitors from all over the world and during winter, the Taurus Mountains offer a wide variety of winter sports making for an all year round destination. Turkey offers an array of tourist attractions, from archaeological and historic sites to long stretches of golden beaches and island resorts, not to mention the markets and shops the country has to offer. It is for these reasons that Turkey has become a popular destination and a favourable real estate investment.

Turkey’s Future: Turkey has grown over the past few years to become a tourist hotspot. Between 1997 and 2007 visitor numbers grew at an average annual rate of 9.3%, while visitor spending grew at an average rate of 10.2% over the same period, reaching $18.5bn in 2007.

Turkey places a strong emphasis on its tourism sector which is signified by 7% of the total workforce being employed by this industry. The government’s tourism strategy also aims to attract 50m tourists per year by 2023.

Turkey is now ranked alongside the likes of Spain, Greece and Italy as a favoured holiday hotspot and was ranked in the top 3 best value holiday destinations 2009, fuelling the demand for real estate in the country.