Didim Marina is creating a buzz in the international yachting arena

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.