Turkey's overall popularity has risen significantly over the last few years. In the first half of 2008 alone, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) reported that tourist numbers were up by 20 per cent on the same time last year and that Turkey had even had more tourist numbers than perennial favourite Spain. Golf is becoming an increasingly important factor in attracting tourists and property purchasers to Turkey. This was recently recognised when the International Association of Golf Tour Operators named Turkey as the best destination for golf.
The country's Mediterranean climate means that Turkey is gaining a reputation as a popular location for those looking to take golf holidays, and the Turkish government is keen to tap into the golfing market throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa, which is estimated to be worth 50 billion euros.
The Golf Federation of Turkey has announced ambitious plans for 100 golf courses to be built over the next 15 years; these new courses will join established ones which have already been developed by famous faces such as Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie, and many will be built around property resorts, allowing investors to take advantage of the country's increased demand for golf tourism. At present there are only 17 completed courses in the country and these are mostly located around Istanbul and Belek.
Bodrum, a well known tourist resort has recently benefited from the addition of the new Vita Park Golf Course, which is located approx 8km from Bodrum airport. Older properties in the surrounding areas have benefited from renovation and there have been price increases in property in neighbouring villages close to the golf course.
Plots of land near the golf course with planning permission are also being offered for sale at competitive prices from £29,000, generating interest from investors, who have seen the potential of either building a property that would only cost approx £45,000, or banking the land as a future investment.
In the popular tourist and property investment destination of Altinkum, the development of a first golf course has been approved and will be built by a Turkish-based steel and shipping company. The plans went through without any objections, highlighting the importance of golfing facilities to the country's tourism industry and its economy. In addition, a Swedish-designed course is also being planned for nearby Didim.
In Dalaman, a luxurious golf and spa property development has been announced by the Hilton Hotel Corporation. Facilities will include a 384-bedroom hotel situated on a Blue Flag beach. Investors looking for property in the area can find apartments close to the Dalaman resort for around £95,000 and villas for roughly £135,000.
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