Antalya Property Market Opened to New Buyers
Antalya is looking set to see an increase in foreign demand this year, because Cimber Sterling has opened up the market to visitors from Copenhagen, with a new flight once per week from the end of March.
Antalya is already one of the hottest tourism destinations, and property markets in Turkey, and so this, the first direct flight to the airport from Copenhagen can only be good for the market. It is also notable that Cimber Sterling is a low cost carrier.
While many areas around the world have been suffering from decreasing flight numbers and accessibility, Turkey has seen a rash of new flights throughout the last two years, including several from the likes of Easyjet and Ryanair.
Then we have the recent announcement that the long-awaited Gazipasa airport is to receive its first international flight May 22nd. According to reports the flights will be a Hamburg International from Germany.
All news like this, not only increases the potential for tourism growth, but also the likelihood of more property investment, because it increases people’s confidence in the area.
More new flights this week included AirAlgerie flights from Constantine to Istanbul Atatürk, running twice weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays from March 30th. There was also new coverage of the Bursa – Ankara route from AnadoluJet.
Antalya Tourism Set for Massive Easter Boost
Those involved in the tourism industry on the Turkish Mediterranean coast are incredibly excited about the Christian Easter break, not least because it is the first major part of the opening of this year’s tourism season.
Chairman of the Mediterranean Tourism Hotel Operators’ Association, or AKTOB, Sururi Çorabat?r told Hurriyet that hotels on the med coast, which are usually closed are all opened and fully prepared to welcome guests.
"March and April will exceed our expectations. This year, interest in Antalya will be much greater than last year," he said.
Side-Manavgat Hotel Operators’ Association Chairman Cengiz Haydar Barut confirmed Corabatir’s statements, he said that nearly 90 percent of the hotels in Antalya’s Manavgat and Side regions would be open during the Easter period.
Barut also said that bookings are 20% higher than during this period last year.
Corabatir also intimated that recent reports surrounding Turkey overtaking the likes of Spain and Greece as a destination for the British summer holiday, owing to the stronger euro are true, he said:
"Previously, we tried to attract visitors from their markets, but now, they are trying to get a share from ours."
Going even further Corabatir said: "If we can manage service of quality and positive expectations well, Turkey will have no competitors in tourism sector from 2011 on."
Çorabat?r also explained that hotels have completed their arrangements for the upcoming Easter holiday, with plans to theme their services according to Easter traditions.
Antalya the Central Hub of Turkish Tourism, Property Hotspot
As far as many people are concerned, Antalya is the central hub of the Turkish tourism industry. It certainly has among the most developed tourism infrastructure, making it one of the best family oriented destinations, with resorts and attractions to visit during the day, plenty of dining options, and a vibrant nightlife of bars and nightclubs.
That is not to say that Antalya isn’t as equally rich in history and culture as some of Turkey’s more quiet and peaceful towns.
it is uncertain when the Antalya we know today was first habited. It was thought that Attalos II, king of Pergamon, founded the city around 150 BC, naming it Attalia and selecting it as a naval base for his powerful fleet. Excavations in Antalya’s Do?u Garaj? district in 2008 threw this into doubt when they uncovered remains dating to the 3rd century BC.
Antalya is also well known for its glorious beaches to the Mediterranean, warm climate 85% of the year, and excellent accessibility including frequent flights from the UK with budget carriers.
Little wonder then that Antalya tourism is so huge, and that this is also following on to a very hot Antalya property market.
Property then has its own strengths, most notably the low prices and the fantastic value for money this gives birth to. You can currently pick up apartments in Antalya from as little as £30k.
Antalya Visitor Numbers Break Records in January and February
Antalya visitor numbers in January and February were not only higher year on year and month on month, but higher than ever before — at a time when the international travel industry is still reeling that is truly an impressive achievement.
According to Antalya Culture and Tourism Director ?brahim Acar, 311,995 tourists came to Antalya by plane during January and February. The total for February was 171,976, with 25,253 tourists flying into Antalya Airport’s international terminal on the weekend of Feb. 26 to 28 alone.
"During the first two months of last year, 253,788 tourists came to Antalya by air. Our aim was to strengthen tourism in winter this year," said Acar. "The promotion activities conducted by the Culture and Tourism Ministry, particularly for November and December, but also January and February, have started to bear fruit. This year will be quite good in terms of tourism."
The promotion activities will be ongoing at promotion fairs in Berlin, Moscow and Kiev, he said.
Turkish tourism has grown massively in the last few years, and suffered only a minor setback in 2009, according to many reports Antalya is the fastest growing destination. Turkey’s aim is to welcome 30million visitors this year. If every month is as impressive as January and February then if they don’t hit it they will certainly stagger it.
Antalya Property to be Boosted by 2010 Tourism Growth
In a year when Turkish tourism is expected to see growth of 1 million visitors, or around 4%, Antalya is expected to see among the biggest growth.
“Normally January is the dead season of the tourism sector; however, sales have much surpassed those of last January. We, as Akay Tur, expect a rise of 50,000 tourists in 2010. Surely Antalya’s tourism will experience a rise of millions of tourists within the year,” said Akay Okudur, chairman of the board of Akay Travel Services.
Antalya property is set to be one of the most popular with foreign investors this year, which will bode well for the market that has long been growing in popularity with lifestyle buyers.
Built on a Cliffside, practically all Antalya properties have sea-views, and with premium-grade 2 bedroom apartments just back from the cliff top available from around £30-£40k, and 3-4 bedroom luxury villas in the same locale from £100-£150k, one can see why Antalya is so popular with lifestyle buyers.
Popularity with investors comes from the combination of the low prices and the increasing visitor numbers, which are gradually increasing rental yields in the area. Antalya apartments are currently available with 5% rental yields guaranteed, and owners have reported earning yields of 6% on villas.
As tourism increases to the region, it will be interesting to see whether rental rates increase faster than property prices.