Overseas and UK Property investment blog

Turkey highlighted by UNWTO as a shining example

10/05/2012

 Turkey highlighted by the UNWTO as a shining example

Turkey’s successful approach to tourism has been praised by the secretary-general of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Taleb Rifai recently said that he is trying to raise awareness of visa regulations in different countries - he is expected to release his findings at a conference this summer. Mr Rifai praised Turkey as a fine example of how countries can increase their visitors through effective issuing of visas and pointed out that since the country offered to give Russian visitors their visas on arrival, their numbers entering Turkey had nearly doubled.

Turkish tourism policies have seen a shift in recent years, as visa regulations for neighbouring countries have been simplified, in order to increase the numbers of tourists visiting the country. Turkey saw nearly 32 million visitors arrive in 2011, an annual increase of nearly 10%, bringing in additional revenue that was up 10.6% on the previous year. Turkey’s Tourism Minister, Ertugrul Gunay, also confirmed recently that the country’s tourism income is predicted to reach $25 billion this year, a huge boost to their economy. Turkey is continuing to reep the rewards of being outside the troubled Eurozone and its GDP is currently the 17^th highest worldwide.

In excellent news for foreign property investors, holidaylettings.co.uk recently confirmed that they have seen an astonishing 33% surge in enquiries from tourists wanting holiday rentals in Turkey. The rental season is long, spanning May to September, with interest also growing in off season availability. Domestic demand for quality rental properties is also high and there are excellent opportunities for those who have chosen to invest in property in the country.

Emerging real Estate can help you find your ideal investment property in Turkey and we would be delighted to help. Please contact us for further details.