Turkey is a growing health tourism destination thanks to its close location to European countries (meaning easy transportation), abundancy and efficiency of private health institutions with state-of-the-art technology and qualified medical and service personnel. There are also hot springs which serve to treat or cure many ailments. Turkey offers tourists cheaper cost of surgery and a chance to have a vacation together!

Increasing number of Americans has discovered Turkey's health tourism as a means of lowering their medical expenses. US citizens account for an important share of health tourism patients, mainly due to low prices. Although, thermal springs have been places of major attraction so far, the number of visitors for surgical operations like hair treatment, eye operations and tube baby etc. has been increasing, rapidly.

According to Gul Soydan, Health Tourism Turkey Coordinator, The incoming patient profile has changed amidst the crisis, and the number of US patients has surpassed the number of Europeans. Many people in the United States have been left without insurance, said Soydan. "If a US citizen chooses to have full dental treatment in the US, the cost is USD 100,000; but in Turkey it is USD 30,000 at most. Having realized this advantage, US citizens flocked to Turkey for health tourism during the first six months of this year", Soydan emphasized.

According to a report issued by the health subcommittee of the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) in June, A person arriving in Turkey for health tourism spends 12 times more than a regular tourist. The report also adds that Medical tourism, which generates a global volume of USD 60 billion, is expected to reach USD 100 billion by the end of 2010. Around 40,000 tourists arrive in Turkey for health tourism per annum, and the goal is to attain one million foreign patients and USD 8 billion in revenue by 2020 which is great news for rental property investors. Turkey's health tourism is expected to cover 36 percent of its overall tourism revenues, which totaled USD 21.9 billion last year.

Labels: Rentals, Tourism

The demand for quality rental accommodation in Turkey is increasing proportionately with the huge influx of Holidaymakers, it has been stated.

Nigel Harris, Chief executive at Artemis Travel said that the country used to be looked at as a cheap destination offering a cheaper alternative to the eurozone when it comes to holiday property for rent, but commented that this has now changed.

He commented: "Customers this year are looking for a combination of quality accommodation, flexibility on flights and duration and value for money."

Courtney Wylie of tourist property rental firm Holiday Rentals told the Daily Telegraph: "In high season, tourists can get a fantastic 2- bedroom villa with private pool near Fethiye or in Dalyan for around £600 per week." With the expected arrival of further low-cost flights to Turkey this year, the demand is expected to increase further as the flight and property rental option becomes more and more competitive next to the package holiday.

Turkey's tourist market was emerging long before its holiday home market, with in excess of 20 million tourists a year visiting the country. This is a key indicator for investment with a view to holiday rentals as it is backed up by booming tourism. For some time now, the Turkish rental market shows all the right indicators and now the facts are starting to speak for themselves as it provides investors with an opportunity to own a home that is rising in capital by around 15% per year in addition to offering superb rental opportunities.

In related news, recent survey from leading holiday rental site holidaylettings.co.uk shows Turkey is 7th out of 112 countries for demand for holiday homes.

Labels: Holiday-property, Rentals

Owners of rental accommodation in Turkey could be set to see a surge in demand over the next few months, according to an industry expert.

According to Giovanna Gentile, the PR executive of Atlas International said that the buy-to-let market in Turkey is currently very strong and the numbers of developers in Turkey are offering rental guarantees with the projects. She added that More than 26 million tourists visited Turkey in 2008. She cited the The Hurriyet Daily News reports which stated that the growth rate in the Mediterranean country was 13 per cent last year, compared with two per cent globally.

Ms Gentile highlighted the Bodrum peninsula, Altinkum and Didim as hotspots for British investors to look at. Antalya and Fethiye areas on the south Mediterranean coast are also recommended for "low cost of living and friendly locals". Since many Brits are feeling the effects of the credit crunch and rising living costs, they are increasingly opting to visit places which have the most favorable exchange rates. More and more consumers in the UK are booking trips to Turkey as it is considered to offer better value than other European countries.

With its consistently warm weather, fabulous beaches and increasing interest from European travelers looking to make the most of their currency, rental property owners who let out their residences to visitors will find that their services will be in much greater demand, leading to them receiving higher rental returns as a result, reports Property Wire.

Liam Bailey, global markets expert at Property Wire, commented: "Investors thinking of purchasing a rental property in Turkey may be able to look forward to healthy yields as booming tourism means the eight per cent average rental yield can easily be exceeded."

Labels: Holiday-property, Rentals

Rental investors could be set to benefit from a surge in visitor numbers, a media outlet has revealed.

According to Property Wire, more and more holidaymakers are booking trips to Turkey, as it offers better value than other European countries. Since many property investors and tourists are feeling the effects of the credit crunch and rising living costs, they are increasingly opting to visit places which have the most favourable exchange rates. Turkey has seen a 14 per cent increase in the number of bookings on a year-by-year basis which means that there will be a solid demand for property.

According to the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), Turkey is increasingly becoming a hotspot for the Brits.They believe that this is partly because the pound has recently plummeted in value against the strong euro. Ahmet Barut, president of the Turkish Hotels Federation said that occupancy rates are increasing and he expects this to lead to further growth during the rest of the year. He added that Turkey attracted people from countries such as Spain,UK, Switzerland and central Europe. However, he stated that he expects its appeal to spread to the east of the continent.

The booming tourism also makes it more attractive to foreign property buyers, as house prices are being pushed upwards. Therefore, investors who enter the market early could find their purchase is worth much more within a fairly short space of time.

Labels: Rentals, Tourism

Overseas investors who want to buy a rental property overseas have been encouraged to consider purchasing on the Turkish Aegean coast of Bodrum. The region is recommended to overseas property investors as Turkey's answer to St Tropez.

The unique features of Bodrum as a holiday resort is that it offers active recreational opportunities available during daytime and the unequaled Bodrum nightlife with many more relaxing bays and beaches are available to enjoy. The good weather is considered as one of the main reasons for its popularity among foreign nationals. The Financial Times has reported that the recent program about Bodrum peninsula on television's 'A Place in the Sun' programme has highlighted its attractiveness.

The sandy beaches, with plenty of sunloungers and umbrellas for sunbathing makes it popular for holidaymakers and families. The region provides the opportunity to experience traditional Turkish life only a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of a modern tourist center and also the generally high quality of the holiday home developments in Bodrum makes it a pleasant and relaxed place to visit.

Lutfi Yigenoglu, governor of Mugla province, speaking to TurkishPress.com, stated that towns such as Bodrum and Fethiye are attracting more visitors this year. Figures from the Turkish Hotels Federation showed that the number of foreign arrivals went up by 15 per cent in the first half of 2008. The figures are welcome reading for people who own rental accommodation in Bodrum, as they suggest that demand for rental accommodations is growing significantly and resulting in higher rental yields.

Labels: Bodrum, Overseas-property, Rentals

Traditional tourist destinations in Turkey are attracting a growing number of Indian holidaymakers, it has been revealed.

Turkish tourist officials have outlined plans to tap into the lucrative Indian market and it wants to increase the number of Indian consumers who visit the country. Turkey has recently opened tourism offices in New Delhi in India, Islamabad in Pakistan, Sofia in Bulgaria, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia and Johannesburg in the Republic of South Africa. Turkish Ministry has a total of 40 tourism offices in 37 countries currently.

Express Travel World has reported that Turkey has just set up a culture and tourism office as a part of the Turkish Embassy in New Delhi in an effort to capitalise on the potential the market offers. Turkish officials predict that this will result in the annual number of visitors from India rising from 45,000 last year to 70,000 in 2008. The main objective of the culture and tourism office will be to work directly with the travel trade and the media outlets to promote Turkish culture and tourism from India. Necessary Steps are being taken to improve air links between the two nations, while more money is invested in promoting the country to Indian consumers.

N Sevgi Boz, head of the office has said that Turkey will provide some unique vacation experience as it offers a diverse range of attractions to foreign visitors. The NTO's initiatives in attracting Indian holidaymakers could be set to boost demand for rental accommodation in Turkey.

Labels: Holiday-property, Rentals

Foreign property investors to look for possible investment opportunities in Turkish city of Dalaman, it has been reported.

Foreign Property Buyer stated that the Dalaman region is opened up by low-cost airline easyJet, as it has begun operating direct flights to Dalaman from London Gatwick Airport. The improved accessibility is likely to lead to an influx of holidaymakers and investors which in turn will push up demand for rental accommodation in the area. A spokesperson for Foreign Property Buyer has commented that property prices and rental prices are likely to grow in the region and the frequent flights offered by easyJet may make it as an attractive location for buyers who want to purchase a holiday home overseas.

Dalaman, a stopover destination earlier is increasingly gaining reputation more than that now. The new airport, easy accessibility, cheaper prices and infrastructure improvements have continued to attract tourists making it as a favored destination. Dalaman is also worthy of closer assessment as it offers several attractive inducements for overseas property buyers, including a strong tourist trade that is driving rental demand.

Easyjet have increased the frequency of the flights to five times a week from May 2008 due to growing demand. 60,000 passengers are expected to visit Dalaman over the next year and this could potentially make the region more attractive to foreign property investors who want to enter the rental market.

Labels: Market-Trends, Property-prices, Rentals

Rental investors in Turkey could be set to witness a surge in occupancy rates in the next few months, according to experts.

Vural Oger of Oger Tours on an interview to Hurriyet has stated that the number of European holidaymakers is expected to increase as much as ten per cent this year and there is likely to be a significant increase in the number of German visitors possibly of about six per cent. As a result, demand for rental accommodation will increase and generate higher returns for property owners.

Rumi Dogay of the Pamucak Union of Tourism Investors Speaking to TurkishPress.com said that many holidaymakers in the continent opt to visit Turkey this year as many traditional European destinations are on the brink of an economic recession. As a result, Turkey is benefiting appreciably and is expected to attract a record number of holidaymakers in 2008.

TurkishPress.com reported that Turkey attracted more than 23 million foreign leisure travelers last year and it is likely to increase this year. The tourist sector has generated about £1.4 billion in the first 3 months of 2008. This has made Turkey more attractive to foreign property buyers and house prices are spiraling upwards.

Turkey was singled out by the Guardian as a good destination for British holidaymakers to consider because the pound has slumped to a record low against the euro.

Labels: Investment-property, Rentals, Travel

Labels: Rentals, Tourism, Travel

The ongoing global credit crunch could prove to be advantageous to owners of rental accommodation in Turkey. Official figures from post offices states that there has been 15 per cent increase in sales for Turkish currency among Brits. This is due to the reason that the pound has hit a record low against the euro and has fallen drastically in value over the last couple of months. Experts have said that People are likely to visit countries which are not part of the single European currency.

The fall in the value of the pound against the euro will mainly have an impact on holidaymakers. Travel weekly has reported that UK vacationers are preparing to make their annual trips abroad despite the fears about the people's finances being constrained by the slowdown in the worldwide economy. Countries along the Mediterranean coast like turkey are found to be most popular locations with more bookings. Turkey statistical institute has reported that 23.5 million tourists visited Turkey last year and is expected to increase to 27 million in 2008.The tourist trade was up a massive 43.9% in the last 3 months in 2007 when compared with the same period in 2006.

Murat Dedeman, the head of The Turkish Tourism Investors Association (TYD) also predicts the increase in the number of foreign tourists visiting Turkey in 2008, resulting in profits of up to $21 billion. Dedeman's optimism is supported by the Turkish Travel Agencies' Association (TURSAB), which expects a 15 percent rise in tourist numbers this year to 27 million.

The dynamic infrastructural and economic transformation process that the Turkey has been experiencing in the last decade has a powerful impact on Turkish tourism and strengthened Turkey's place in the world.

This comes after the predictions from Cushman & Wakefield, global property agents and they say that real estate in emerging markets like turkey will evade the current slowdown relatively unharmed and Goldman Sachs investment bank has said turkey is having promising outlooks for investment and future growth.

Labels: Market-Trends, Rentals

Turkish Hotels Federation Official figures have revealed that there is massive rise in rental accommodation in a Turkish tourist destination this year. TurkishPress.com has reported that Occupancy rates in Antalya rose by 20 per cent over the Easter holiday.

Ahmet Barut, president of Turkish Hotels Federation has predicted further growth rest of the year. He said that during the Easter tide, Antalya attracted people from European countries like Spain, Switzerland and central Europe. He also stated that Turkish appeal will get extended to Eastern Europe in 2008.

Turkey is on the threshold of becoming most popular destinations for eastern Europeans due to the low entry costs they provide for investors in terms of getting on to the property ladder.TurkishPress.com cited Turkish Statistical Institute statistics showing that in last 2 months turkey has attracted over 280,000 people from Eastern Europe.

The rental returns in turkey are getting better every year. They are sufficient to cover mortgage repayments. Rental Yields for apartments and single-family homes in Istanbul and Ankara are currently around ten per cent, and it is anticipated that in the next few years will see a very profitable buy-to-let boom in Turkey's major cities.

This comes after the Turkish Daily News quoted Alaaddin Yuksel, governor of Antalya, as saying that he hopes Antalya province itself will attract ten million visitors this year which was eight million in 2007. Figures from the Turkish Board of Statistics revealed that the country is attracting tourists from a number of countries. This means that Turkey boasts higher occupancy rates and healthy rental yields.

Labels: Antalya, Latest-news, Rentals

Survey from holidaylettings.co.uk has revealed that demand for rental property in Turkey falls within the elite list of top 7 on the property investment list that the company advertises in for demand for rental property. Turkish economy is positively moving forward and leads the way in emerging markets and well ahead of popular tourist destinations like Balearics, Canary Islands and South Africa.

Gordon Lyons of International Property Agents has said that more overseas investors to arrive much more conveniently in turkey due to the low cost flights and this of course makes buying property in Turkey more accessible but due to the low availability of the flights, the market is still under developing stage. The development of the property rental market in Turkey is moving in the right directions as Turkey’s tourism figures continue to soar. The rental market can provide a good return on investment for property investors in Turkey with the expected arrival of further low-cost flights to Turkey.

Gordon Lyons further said that Tourism growth in the nation is on the roll and Figures shows that 20 million tourists a year visiting the country. The Turkish property rental market is growing and investors are making their Turkish real estate dreams really pay off as investment with a view to holiday rentals is backed up by booming turkey's tourist market.

Labels: Economy, Market-Trends, Rentals