The Didim Marina project which is due for completion in May 2009 is expected to increase the number of tourists to the area and be a major factor in driving real estate prices upwards.

According to Voices, the local English language newspaper, the yacht owners are being offered a discount of 15 per cent on initial berthing fees and those taking out annual contracts will have an additional three months free. The marina stretches over 287,000 sq. m and will have 580 berths at sea and a dry dock capacity for 600 yachts.

Construction supervisor Kemal Atabak said that by completion there would also be a boutique hotel with 80 rooms, businesses on 20 different sectors, health clinic, a heliport, shopping centre, supermarket, yacht equipment shops as well as a ferry boat operator and customs and port authority facilities. In addition there would also be cafe's, bar, resting/overnight stay accommodation, swimming pool, sauna, massage, tennis courts and basketball field.

Mayor Mumin Kamaci predicted a 100 per cent rise in tourist to Didim when the marina is completed, particularly attracting excursion yachts. Mr. Yaprak, the marina manager commented: "The marina will attract yacht owners from the Middle East and across Europe. But importantly, it will be catering for the mega-yacht owners, the super-rich who have yachts that cannot berth at the likes of Turgutries, near Bodrum."

This comes after the news that EU made a Euro 340,000 (£270,000) grant for the Meandros Village project, which aims to highlight the historical and cultural assets of Didim.

Labels: Didim, Tourism