Turkey is such a large country that there is something to offer every kind of foreign tourist holidaymaker, traveller or visitor. Beautiful mountain ranges, dusty white beaches, sites of historical and cultural interest, clear blue warms seas and clement year round temperatures are just a few of its many wonderful features.
Tourism is a massively prosperous and ever growing component of Turkish culture. Huge investments from within and outside the country are being made into the resort towns and larger cities, with a vast variety of holiday villas, hotels, holiday homes, flats, restaurants, bars and golf resorts courses being built to serve and supply this increased demand on the Turkish tourism trade.
Tourism in Turkey is mainly concentrated around sites of antiquity (historical and archaeological features) and beach and seaside resorts. Did you know that the word ‘Turquoise’ comes from the beautiful colour of the Turkish sea? Of course, the inquisitive and adventurous tourists may find themselves off the beaten track, where you are sure to find a warm and hospitable welcome from the local people of the region that you are visiting.
Ten years ago, there were approximately nine million foreign tourists visiting Turkey each year. This figure has now more than doubled which has brought Turkey into the top ten revenue earners from tourism.
Turkey’s popularity has also been influenced by a considerable sea of change from the government who have actively promoted Turkey. Turkey’s desire to enter the European Union and it’s long battle to join the European community has made a significant difference to the official public stance on crime, punishment, human rights and terrorism. Past particular problems with terrorism are now a global threat and the foreign tourist would feel just as safe in Istanbul or Alanya as London, New York or Dublin.
The Aegean Coast is the home to many of the finest ancient sites of archaeological significance. It is also home to the gorgeous sun drenched resort towns with their beautiful beaches and the truly magnificent turquoise ocean. Turkish tourism is at its height along this coastline.
The stunning scenic town of Bodrum was once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the mausoleum at Halicarnassus. However violent earthquakes destroyed this many ages ago. However the Castle of St Peter, built by the Christian Knights of Saint John during the Crusades is definitely worth a visit. Bodrum is known as the ‘St Tropez’ of Turkey with its magnificent marina, lively nightlife and vast array of café’s, bars and restaurants. Other towns within the Bodrum Peninsular such as Gumusluk, Gundogan, and Yalikavak which are smaller fishing villages, offer the holidaymaker a quieter type of holiday, often with stunning scenery and beautiful beaches, yet still within 15-20 minutes of Bodrum. Other towns on the Aegean that attract tourism and holidaymakers by the dozen are the sea port of Kusadasi, and Altinkum meaning ‘golden sands’.
Further down on the Mediterranean coast are the popular towns of Dalyan, Marmaris, Fethiye, Antalya, Belek and Alanya. This region is known as the Turkish Riviera, with its lovely beaches, luxury hotels, golf courses and resorts as well as the ruins of Greek, Roman, Arab, Seljuk, Armenian, Crusader, and Byzantine origins.
As the number of tourists hit spectacular heights this summer and more people take theirholidays in Turkey, the need for holiday rentals is expected to dramatically increase over the next few years. Owners looking for an income, will find it easy to rent out their property for holiday rentals during the long holiday season between the months of April and October.
There is no limit to foreign currency that can be brought into or taken out of Turkey. However, a maximum of five thousand dollars in Turkish currency may be brought or taken. Turkey is two hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) and has one time zone for the entire nation. Visas are required for those travelling from most foreign countries. Those coming from the UK can obtain a ‘gate visa’ on entering the country by displaying their UK passport. The cost of this is usually around ten pounds sterling, payable in New Turkish Lira. Travellers can purchase a visa from the Turkish Consulate in London before boarding for the cost of forty pounds sterling. These visas allow a maximum stay of ninety days.
Flying to Turkey? Almost all major airports fly to one or more of Turkey’s many international or regional airports. Did you know that the first man to ever fly came from Turkey? He constructed a pair of wings and flew a short journey across the Bosphorous River! Most tourists these days use a plane.