World Travel Market premiers Turkey as top tourism destination with Pamukkale leading the way

The World Travel Market (WTM), which ran from Monday 4th to Thursday 7th and is considered one of the leading trade fairs in global tourism, showed a rise in the sector with 63 partner stand holders and almost 48,000 international visitors.

In particular, Turkey was revealed as the jewel in the crown of this year’s show. The Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ömer Çelik, opened Turkey’s prominent 965.25 sqm pavilion, dedicated to showing the diversity of the country, highlighting the principal tourist and coastal destinations (including its 383 Blue Flag beaches); along with its cultural, adventure and luxury offerings.

Growth trajectory to continue on its upward trend

Minister Çelik revealed: “Latest figures indicate that Turkey’s growth trajectory will continue on its upward trend. Turkey received 35.7 million visitors in 2012, with the country ranking 6th in terms of the number of these arrivals, according to the World Tourism Organisation (WTO). By the end of September this year 28.5 million foreign visitors had arrived in Turkey – an impressive increase of 10.09% compared to the same period in 2012. Our over-arching tourism plan is to boost total arrivals from 35.7 to 50 million by 2023 and to that end we will continue to diversify both tourism products and incoming tourist profile by enhancing different segments of our tourism offering.”

Turkey remains one of the most affordable and popular holiday destinations for the UK, ranking 6th for Brits travelling to short-haul destinations. In 2012 2.46 million British visitors visited Turkey, contributing a massive £654 million to the economy. By the end of September 2013, Turkey had already seen 2.12 million Brits, which is an increase of 2.04% for the same period in 2012.

Cleopatra’s Pool entices a billion dollar industry

Head of the Turkish Tourism Association, Osman Avik, believes global Turkish tourism figures will reach 38 million by the end of the year; and according to official statistics, Turkey’s income from tourism increased to $5.8 billion in January through to July 2013. This is a reported $1.6 billion increase from the same period last year.

In particular, Pamukkale is high on the destination list. Around 722,000 foreign and Turkish visitors visited UNESCO World Heritage site Pamukkale in the first six months of 2013. Pamukkale, which translates as “cotton castle”, is a natural site in Denizli province, south-west Turkey. It attracts visitors with its hot mineral springs and stunning travertine terrace formations, which are created from limestone deposits. Decorated with marble columns and old stone carvings, the pools are rumoured to have been visited by Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, who swam in them as part of her beauty regime.

Secretary General of Provincial Special Administration, Adem Oklu, explains: “Millions visit Pamukkale every year. About 1.5 million tourists visit Pamukkale with organisations of Anatolia tours and this number gradually increases. The ancient pool where geothermal water emerges, known as ‘Cleopatra’s Pool’ is the main attraction. Foreign tourists, especially Russians are notably interested in this pool.”

International investment boosted by EU talks

This upturn in Turkish tourism comes as Turkey moves closer to joining the EU. While talks have only just been re-opened and there is still a way to go before membership is finalised, relations with other countries (such as Germany) are starting to strengthen already and this is opening new doors for international investment. The Turkish real estate sector is showing a significant uptake of foreign investment, particularly from the Middle East.

Benefit from all the strongest sectors with one simple investment

Ray Withers, Property Frontiers CEO, says: “The key investment in a booming economy is always one which makes full benefit of all factors. Here we are seeing a stellar growth in tourism and an upsurge in real estate. As such, hotel investment is where it’s at.”

He continues: “We are about to offer an opportunity to invest in a 5 star resort of 190 contemporary hotel suites in tourist Mecca Pamukkale itself. They offer fixed, assured yields up to 15% NET, with double-digit anticipated growth, reliable exit strategies and personal usage options. Spa hotels are also a particularly strong commercial sector of their own right now, so this deal really does combine a number of excellent factors which make it a particular favourite with investors. You can also invest for under £50,000, which is remarkable in the high-end commercial sectors.”

Get in touch on +44 1865 202 700 now to find out more about investing in Pamukkale before the deal is launched, as we expect it to sell out quickly.