http://toroslar.com.tr/ Latest News from Turkish Riviera / Turkey en Copyright 2007 www.toroslar.com.tr 09.10.2007 00:43:58 http://www.toroslar.com.tr/images/toroslar100x.png http://www.Toroslar.com.tr 20 http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=246 Turkish Airlines starts to operate Birmingham, England as of December 15th, 2008. Turkish Airlines keeps increasing its passenger figures by providing its customer with the benefit of wider network oppotunities and quality of service. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=245 The logo and ticket design for the 2008-09 UEFA season final match to be played May 20 at the Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Stadium have been announced, with ticket sales to start on Friday. The tickets for the UEFA final match will be sold on Friday. The announcement was made with the attendance of soccer veterans Bulent Korkmaz and Roberto Carlos. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=244 ISTANBUL, Turkey (eTN) - Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC) has announced its plan to operate 40 new properties in Turkey, representing 5,500 rooms, by 2014. According to HHC, eleven contracts have already been signed with property partners Amplio, the Kosifler Group and Gocay Tourism, which will double HCC’s Turkish portfolio by 2011. “We are seeing increased demand for quality accommodation throughout the country - not just Istanbul - and are keen to capture a significant part of that,” Patrick Fitzgibbon, Hilton’s senior vice president development, Europe and Africa, said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=243 ISTANBUL - Shopping center investors launched an association yesterday to better represent and promote the interests of the industry. The Shopping Centers Investors Association, or AYD, currently has 15 founding members but more are expected to join in the future. There are currently more than 200 shopping centers in Turkey, which account for a total investment of nearly $30 billion. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=242 Sometimes, stability is the best you can hope for. The pound has been holding its own with the Turkish lira, and is worth the same amount this year as it was last year. New York might have been the Christmas shopping destination of choice last year, but Turkey offers significantly better value, not to mention cheaper flights. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=241 The Turkish Ministry of Finance is considering a decrease in land registry charges. The Ministry is carrying out evaluations to make the necessary amendments to the Charges Law and the Property Tax Law. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=240 Norway hosts not only facilities to rehabilitate youth, but is also a center of healing for the elderly. Between Jan. 15 and May 15, 2009, 200 seniors will come to Antalya from Norway to be treated for various illnesses. Among them will be Norwegians over 65 years of age who will stay in hotels in Belek. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=239 Turkish Airlines’ (THY) net profit rose 244 percent to 668 million lira ($415.4 million) in the first nine months of the year, and it said it had positive expectations for the year as a whole. Sales in the same period jumped 24 percent to 4.416 billion lira as the partly state-owned airline continued to expand to new destinations and added flights. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=238 Raminder S. Jassal, India's ambassador to Turkey, has said Indian firms will continue to invest in Turkey, which he describes as the "center of energy in the region." As Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepares to visit India on Nov. 21-24, Jassal, who was recently appointed to Ankara, said the two countries have much potential for cooperation. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=237 ISTANBUL - The government is taking steps to make it easier for the citizens of Gulf states and Turkic republics to buy real estate in Turkey by taking into consideration whether or not Turkish citizens are allowed to invest in real estate in those countries http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=236 There may be a boom in Turkey's 2009 summer tourism season, according to Adnan Gunes, contracts manager for Kuoni, the world-renowned Swedish tour operator. While the economic crisis and the rise of the dollar are adversely affecting the real economy, this could be an opportunity for the tourism industry. Due to the greenback's rise, Turkey is now cheaper for European tourists, said Gunes. Danish, Norwegian and Swedish tourists flocked to Antalya, Alanya, Kars, Marmaris and Cesme this past season, totaling 58,000 tourists, he said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=235 ISTANBUL - Although the finance sector is suffering worldwide from the impact of the global economic crisis, Garanti Bank, a Turkish bank co-owned by General Electric Co., reported a consolidated net profit increase of 21 percent since the beginning of the year. "While the leading players of the global finance sector declared losses, we profited quite well within the first nine months of this year," Ergun Ozen, managing director of Garanti, said during a press meeting held in Istanbul yesterday to reveal the bank’s third quarter results. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=234 Speaking about the world Amateur Golf Championship to be held in Turkey in 2012, Turkish Golf Federation President Ahmet Agaoglu said investments in the event will soon bear fruit and bring at least 1 million tourists to Belek for golf in the five years following the championship. Noting that golf is more an industry than a popular sport in the world, he said: "According to 2005 statistics, golf contributed $80 billion directly and $196 billion directly to the US industry and accounts for 1.64 percent of the US economy. In other words, the golf industry represents about 2 percent of a giant economy." Agaoglu indicated that this also applies to the Mediterranean countries, where Spain earns 6 billion euros and Portugal about 3 billion euros annually from golf tourism. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=233 World-renowned Scottish golfer Colin Montgomerie, examined the golf course he helped design in Belek last tuesday on 21st October 2008. Last year, eight-time European Tour champion Montgomerie boosted his expanding course-design portfolio by helping to create a new $100 million golf and hotel complex in Turkey, joining forces with Papillon Hotels to build a facility on the coastal resort of Belek, Antalya. It includes an 18-hole championship golf course and 9-hole academy course, a 600-bed hotel and between 25 and 40 holiday villas. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=232 Around 40 Turkish companies will participate in an international tourism fair in Britain, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism said on Wednesday. Wednesday, 05 November 2008 10:16 About 40 Turkish companies would join the World Travel Market 2008--the third biggest tourism fair in the world, a statement of the ministry said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=231 By the end of the year, national income per capita will surpass $10,000 for the first time in the history of the Turkish Republic. National income per capita, which stood at $4,311 in 1998, is expected to reach $11,228 by the end of this year. It will be 2.6-fold growth in 10 years. Based on data collected by the Turkish Statistical Institute, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the State Planning Agency, national income per capita, which used to float around $3,000 to $4,000 between 1998 and 2002, has been on the increase. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=230 Turkey was the recipient of the majority of awards given by the European Foundation for Quality Management, or EFQM this year. The 2008 EFQM Excellence Award Winners were announced Tuesday, Oct. 28 in Paris under the glass pyramid at the Musée du Louvre. The EFQM Excellence Awards recognize organizations with indisputably progressive track records and results in both financial and non-financial performances. The award, given to Europe's best performing companies and not-for-profit organizations, is Europe's most prestigious award for organizational excellence. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=229 ISTANBUL, Oct 30 (Reuters) - A Gulf investment fund made up of three financial institutions plans to invest at least $150 million in 2009 in Turkey's agricultural sector, sources close to the deal told Reuters on Thursday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=228 Two new chapters in Turkey's EU accession talks would be opened to negotiation during the intergovernmental conference between Turkey and the bloc, which is expected to be held on Dec. 18, a French minister said on Wednesday. The new chapters would be opened during the upcoming conference, French Secretary of State Jean-Pierre Jouyet, who attended a reception held on the occasion of the 85th foundation anniversary of the Republic of Turkey in Paris, was quoted as saying by the Anatolian Agency. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=227 The European Union is expected to announce its satisfaction with Turkey's economic performance in line with guidelines set forth by the EU in Copenhagen in 1993. In an annual progress report due to be released on Nov. 5, the European Commission notes that Turkey implemented economic policies in line with the commission's recommendations and successfully completed a stand-by agreement with International Monetary Fund (IMF) in May 2008. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=226 The first “World Economic Forum on Europe and Central Asia 2008” is being held today in Istanbul. Government and business leaders from various European countries, Turkey, Russia, Central Asia and the Middle East are participating in the forum, planned to last until Nov. 1. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=225 Istanbul and Ankara have been listed among the top 50 emerging cities in a recent study by MasterCard Worldwide, making Turkey the only European country other than Russia to be represented with more than one city. According to the Worldwide Centers of Commerce: Emerging Markets Index, which was released on Oct. 22, Istanbul’s position in 15th place suggests that Turkey’s financial capital “is a formidable center of commerce deserving of attention.” Just like Russia, the study noted, Turkey has a large population, which is growing rapidly. Turkey’s capital city of Ankara ranked 50th. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=224 The Turkish Tourism Ministry and the private sector will contribute a budget of $320 million to strengthen Turkey’s tourism sector and expand to new markets via advertising. The Tourism Ministry, which has focused extensively on advertising activities since last year, will launch a new project with the cooperation of tour operators and hoteliers. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=223 Dubai based international airline Emirates, increased the number of direct flights from Dubai to Istanbul. Beginning from 26 October 2008, company will introduce four additional flights to its daily services. The additional flights will take place on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and will bring total number of weekly flights between Istanbul and Dubai to 11. The four additional flights will take off at 22:35 from Istanbul. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=222 Turkey ranks third after Spain and Greece in the number of blue flags in marinas and beaches, according to participants at a meeting of the Blue Flag project. The international blue flag coordinators meeting, organized by the International Environment Education Foundation, or FEE, and hosted by the Turkey Environment Education Foundation, or TURCEV, was held over the weekend in Antalya's Manavgat district. Over 60 coordinators from 45 different countries attended the meeting. Blue flags are a marker of beaches that employ sound environmental policy. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=221 The rectorate General of Civil Aviation, or SHGM, has started an initiative to expand Turkey's flight network, an economic publication reported in its latest issue. Turkey is among the rising stars in the world's air traffic, which grows 5 percent on average annually, with both the increasing number of passengers and new routes, Turkish economy weekly Ekonomist said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=220 Pegasus Airlines are set to increase the frequency of its cheap flights to Turkey. It is believed that the intention is to operate daily flights to Stansted Airport by the year 2010. It will also be aiming to increase flights that operate from Manchester and Birmingham airports. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=219 The volume of housing loans extended by local banks increased slightly to USD 38.06bn as of October 10 from USD 38.02bn one week ago, according to data of the Turkish Central Bank. At the end of August, housing loans stood at USD 36.7bn and at the end of October 2007 the figure was USD 28.8bn. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=218 The value of foreign purchases of Turkish real estates increased to USD 1.99bn in January-August, from USD 1.8bn in the same period of last year, according to the balance of payments data of the Turkey’s Central Bank. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=217 UniCredit SpA, Italy's biggest lender, is planning to open an investment bank in Turkey next year amid increasing demand for corporate advice. The investment bank, which will be part of Yapi Kredi, the Turkish bank UniCredit co-owns with Koc Holding, will have between 15 and 20 staff and focus on mergers, ... http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=216 Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan attributed Turkey's election to the U.N. Security Council to his country's growing role in international affairs. Turkey's new, non-permanent seat for 2009-2010 "is a reflection of our increasing weight in international politics and the confidence that the international community has in us," Erdogan told reporters. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=215 The launches come as Russian tourists increase the number of trips they are taking abroad every year. According to tourism authorities, the number of Russians wishing to receive an international passport is growing by 12% y-o-y, and in 2007 over five million received their new international passport. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=214 The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has reported this morning that Denmark and Sweden still top the list for most heavily taxed nations in the OECD zone. This is according to figures from the latest edition of the OECD’s annual Revenue Statistics publication. ? Denmark is confirmed as the OECD’s highest-tax country, followed by Sweden, while Mexico and Turkey remain the lowest-taxing countries. Overall, the average tax burden in the 30 OECD countries, calculated as a proportion of gross domestic product (GDP), is close to its historic peak of 36.1% in 2000. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=213 President Abdullah Gul yesterday left for Germany to attend the 60th Frankfurt Book Fair, where the honorary guest this year is Turkey. Gul defined his Frankfurt visit as a means of contributing to multi-dimensional relations between the two countries. “I believe that my visit will be beneficial, not only in terms of giving support to the project, which advances Turkey's multi-faceted publicity campaign, but also in terms of meetings with the representatives of both Turkish society and German agencies that will be held during my visit,” Gul said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=212 The financial crisis in the United States and European countries was likely to affect Turkey during 2009, The World Bank Country Director for Turkey Ulrich Zachau said. Zachau foresaw a slowdown in growth for the country, rather than the Turkey becoming mired in recession or negative growth. Additionally, Turkey would be protected from the world financial crisis due to important financial steps undertaken in recent years, Zachau told the business daily, Referans. Furthermore, the impact of the crisis in Turkey could be deflected by a robust financial policy, he said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=211 Despite a global economic crisis, there is no decrease in hotel reservations for 2009, says culture and tourism minister source:Turkish Daily News Turkey's tourism industry can overcome the effects of the global economic crisis if it offers reasonable prices and a well-organized promotion policy, the culture and tourism minister said yesterday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=210 Antalya will continue to be the tourism capital of Turkey with its new facility investments during 2008. Tourism facilities in Antalya consist of almost 60% of all facilities in Turkey, and each year new investments are built in the region. 25 of 61 new luxury hotel investments in Turkey during 2008 will be built in Antalya. The building industry in Antalya never pauses with the increasing number of foreign passengers arriving to the region. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=209 Turkey will host the world amateur team golf championship in 2012, the golf federation announced on Monday. The Turkish Golf Federation said that the World Amateur Team Championship would be held in Turkey in 2012. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=208 Actor Kevin Spacey of the United States will arrive to Antalya on October 17 to attend the 45th Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival. Engin Yigitgil, chairman of the Turkish Foundation of Cinema and Audiovisual Culture (TURSAK), told Anatolian Agency on Friday, announcing the surprise, Spacey would deliver a three hours lecture on being an actor to 200 cinema students, All the best-known faces of Turkish cinema and many from the international scene will be in Antalya on Friday for the Golden Orange Film Festival, the “Turkish Oscars.” http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=207 First Title Insurance plc, a subsidiary of First Title plc and the largest provider of title insurance in the United Kingdom and Europe, announces that it has acquired 38% of the stock of FU Gayrimenkul Dan and #253; and #254;manl and #253;k AS (FU), Turkey’s largest mortgage BPO business. FU was established in 2006, before Turkey passed a framework of laws to create a mortgage industry in 2007. Since then, the company has grown to become the leading provider of outsourced legal and processing services to Turkish residential mortgage lenders and mortgage-based commercial loan providers. FU looks after the search and examination of title and registration of mortgage securities for many of Turkey’s leading mortgage lenders. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=206 Turksih Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Central Bank Governor Durmus Yilmaz introduced the new “Turkish Lira,” or TL, at the press conference last week. The Turkish Lira will be on the market as of Jan. 1, 2009 and will replace the current YTL, or “New Turkish Lira” gradually. The YTL will no longer be in circulation as of the end of next year. The Turkish lira will be printed in denominations ranging from TL 5 to TL 200. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan also used the meeting to deliver an important message in Ankara on Friday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=205 With banks across the globe seeming to need more and more and bets being laid on the next one to go bust it might seem that looking beyond the obvious is a good idea. Its being reported that you can live in Turkey off the interest of a lump sum placed with a Turkish bank. But it does raise the idea of seeking out good banking deals as a measure of where to buy property. Interest rates in Turkish banks are generally over 15% and the Turkish lira is also known to be one of the highest yeilding in an emerging market. It sounds a bit like a no brainer. But would you really want to invest in a Turkish bank. High interest rates = high risk. But then so is the stock market right now. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=204 ISTANBUL, Oct 9 (Reuters) - Lessons learned the hard way have left Turkey's banks relatively robust as their western peers topple, with loans well covered by deposits, limited debt rollover pressure and solid foreign exchange reserves. The sector has not escaped the global financial turmoil unscathed. Istanbul's index of banking stocks has fallen 48 percent since the start of the year, in line with the wider Turkish stock exchange, as credit has dried up. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=203 ANKARA, Oct 3 (Reuters) - Turkey plans to maintain the current level of bank deposit guarantees, Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday, in the wake of Ireland's move to guarantee all bank deposits. The Turkish state guarantees up to 50,000 lira ($39,030) of bank deposits per person. Amid the current global financial turmoil, Turkish banks are viewed as better placed than many European and U.S. rivals because of strong balance sheets and limited foreign exposure. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=202 Some 12,164,000 Russian tourists have travelled or booked to head abroad this year, with China (2.58m), Turkey (1.91m), Egypt (1.73m) and Finland (1.23m) the most visited destinations, according to the country’s largest insurance body Rosgosstrakh, which insures over 80% of all properties in Russia. Compiled by the Rosgosstrakh Centre of Strategic Studies, using Ministry of Tourism data, its own client information and various surveys, it released the figures last week providing a breakdown of the most popular overseas destinations visited by Russians in order of numbers visited and its forecast for growth over the next two years. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=201 Director General of the Turkey branch of Jones Lang Lasalle said there were currently 217 shopping malls in the country, 144 of which were located in Anatolian cities. A total of 217 shopping malls are currently operating in Turkey, while 71 new are being constructed and 31 more are being designed. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=200 In recent years the number of foreigners who have residency status in Turkey has steadily increased. Needless to say, this rise is also reflected in a soaring number of expat communities, which are currently spreading like mushrooms across the country. Indeed, finding and networking with fellow expats concerns many who are starting out in a new country. This doesn’t need to stand in the way of integrating into society; rather, it can be a base for expats to successfully merge two cultures. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=199 Homes Overseas, the world's leading international real estate magazine since 1965, has released a detailed article on its website entitled Buying Property in Turkey. The guide provides potential investors with property details and purchasing information for Turkey. The comprehensive guide can be viewed at: http://www.homesoverseas.co.uk/property-for-sale-in-turkey http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=198 Statistics released by the Prime Ministry Directorate General of Press and Information (BYEGM) indicate that Turkey has 2,459 newspapers and that 258 television stations are based in the country, in addition to providing a wealth of other information on electronic communications and entertainment in the country. Fifty-five of Turkey’s newspapers are national and 23 of them regional, while the country has 2,381 local papers. As for TV, there are 27 nationwide stations, 16 regional stations and 215 local stations. Sixty-five of Turkey’s 258 TV stations broadcast via cable and 92 via satellite only. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=197 Russian investors are increasingly diversifying their assets into overseas property as a result of unstable global markets, it has been reported. According to the New York Times, an unfriendly business climate and ambiguous Russian economic policy, has contributed to an outflow of capital from Russia, with 46% wiped off the value of the country’s RTS index in the last week alone. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=196 Over three million Brits are likely to buy a property overseas within the next two years as economic conditions in the UK make strong returns less likely, according to new research from Cater Allen Private Bank, part of Banco Santander. Its survey of UK clients found that some 2.3 million people already own a property abroad, with around 500,000, or less than 25%, having bought for investment purposes. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=195 Some 100,000 Norwegians own a second home abroad and the same amount plan to buy overseas within the next few years, according to new research. In a report from analysts The Prognosis Centre, in 2007, some 9,000 Norwegians purchased a holiday home abroad, with the top markets listed as Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Thailand, Turkey, Cyprus, Portugal and Brazil. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=194 With British house price falls accelerating according to data from the Land Registry and three major UK lenders raising mortgage rates this week amid further volatility in the banking sector, property buyers are increasingly looking overseas for productive investments. New research from Cater Allen Private Bank, part of Banco Santander, found that over three million Britains are likely to buy a property overseas within the next two years as economic conditions in the UK deteriorate. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=193 Alanya has become internationally reknowned in many key sports events and tournaments and now you can find out all the latest information about upcoming events and also join in if you're interested. With all the information listed in English as well as Turkish, you can visit www.alanyacup.com and find out about any of the following 11 categories of sporting events in Alanya; http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=192 Confirming what many have long suspected, Istanbul is officially the most crowded city in Europe. Two other Turkish cities are also among the top 10. Ankara, Turkey's capital, ranks fourth, as the Aegean city of Izmir comes in at nine, according to a list released by Eurostat, the European Union statistics institution. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=191 ANKARA, Sept 16 (Reuters) - The Turkish banking system held no risky positions linked to Lehman Brothers, the head of Turkey's banking regulator BDDK told Reuters on Tuesday. Tevfik Bilgin praised Turkish banks' risk management with regard to their borrowing and transactions linked to foreign-based banks. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=190 Recent Treasury figures show foreign companies operating in Turkey were able to transfer close to $27 billion to their countries of origin between January 2003 and July 2008, while investing a record amount of $65.4 billion in the same period as foreign direct investment (FDI) in addition to creating employment and enhancing the production capacity of the Turkish economy. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=189 As summer in Europe starts to become a distant memory property investors might be wondering how they can make money in the coming winter months. Those with investments in ski resorts will be gearing up for the winter season but it is possible to make money from rentals out of season according to the many property forums this week. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=188 Property investors looking to Turkey for solid investment prospects will be encouraged by the news that the Turkish Tourist Office has been nominated for an international award. In the last two months, visitor numbers to Turkey have shot up. The Tourism Ministry announced a 19.17 per cent increase in June in the number of foreign visitors, which is a rise of nearly four million tourists in the first half of the year, compared with the same period last year. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=187 The difference in per capita income in Turkey to the European Union average is expected to fall to 2.4 fold compared to the 2.7 fold recorded five years ago. The Economic Developments in EU and Candidate Countries report prepared by the State Planning Organization (DPT) revealed the EU per capita income average, which currently stands at 24,800 euro ($35,380) in 2007, is expected to reach 25,900 euro ($36,950) in 2008, up from 21,600 euro ($30,815) in 2003. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=186 A total of 14 million students and 662,000 teachers will start lessons today after a three-month holiday. 2008-2009 education year in elementary and high schools will begin today. A total of 14 million students and 662,000 teachers will start lessons after a three-month holiday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=185 The Turkish Open Golf Championship will be held in the southern province of Antalya's resort town of Belek between September 4 and 7, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported on Tuesday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=184 Turkish no-frills carrier Pegasus Airlines plans to operate daily flights from Stansted to Istanbul by 2010 and then expand its services to Birmingham and Manchester. The operator is increasing its Stansted frequencies from three to four times weekly on Monday and will add a fifth flight on October 1. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=183 The Dutch real estate investment fund Corio would build a shopping center in Turkey’s southern town of Tarsus as it seeks to strengthen its presence in the country, the company said in a statement on Tuesday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=182 Despite the ongoing global credit crunch, stable and promising markets such as Turkey continue to attract private equity investments. The first half of the year saw $2 billion in private equity fund investments http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=181 A couple of weeks ago Facebook surpassed MySpace as the most-trafficked social media site in the world (comScore). Facebook Population By Region: all numbers current to last Friday (Aug 22nd 2008) http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=180 Foreign investors have spent over 10 billion dollars on property in Turkey over the last five years according to the latest available figures. The amendment of the Foreign Direct Investment Law, which would overhaul the conditions for foreigners’ real estate investments, is expected to allow foreign companies and individuals to buy bigger chunks of property, and to boost demand even further. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=179 ISTANBUL, August 18, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Turkcell, the leading provider of mobile communications services in Turkey, today announced it will bring iPhone 3G to its prepaid and post-paid customers in Turkey later this year. iPhone 3G combines all the revolutionary features of iPhone plus 3G networking that is twice as fast*, built-in GPS for expanded location-based mobile services, and iPhone 2.0 software which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs hundreds of third party applications available through the new App Store. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=178 Against the backdrop of an economical downturn, M and S money has noticed a trend for Turkish currency this summer. Sales of Turkish Lira have risen 53% year on year according to foreign currency agent M and S Money. The Turkish Lira is the second most popular ‘exotic currency' in 2008, only being beaten to the top spot by the Australian Dollar. Non-exotic currencies are the Euro and US Dollar. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=177 As the British residential market continues to deteriorate, many UK buy-to-let (BTL) investors could liquidize their holdings and invest into other asset classes including overseas property, according to the findings of a new report from international savings group Skandia. It believes that a combination of the credit crunch, diminishing rental yields and falling property prices will force many of these BTL investors, whose holdings have grown fat after years of double-digit growth, to look elsewhere for a better ROI. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=176 According to statistics from the Turkish consulate in Stockholm, more than 170,000 Swedes visited Turkey this year between January and June, which was a 20 percent rise compared to last year. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=175 Thomas Cook has shrugged off the economic gloom and reported strong trading this summer, with Turkey and Egypt the fastest growing holiday destinations. Europe's second-biggest travel company said yesterday there was no evidence that people were cutting back on holidays, despite household budgets being stretched by rising living costs. Bookings for winter and next summer are already ahead of last year. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=174 The Nilson Report has shown that the total volume of credit card transactions in Europe was $1.36 trillion in 2007. Turkey ranked fourth in Europe, with a volume of $76.98 billion. Britain tops the list with $604.6 billion and France is second with $402.8 billion Yapi Kredi’s Worldcard has been ranked as the eighth-biggest credit card program in Europe in terms of transaction volume by The Nilson Report. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=173 British buyers are increasingly motivated by lifestyle over investment property and are relying more on mortgages to fund their purchases, according to a new report from Savills Research in association with Holiday-rentals.co.uk The ‘Second Homes Abroad 2008’ report found that the total value of UK foreign owned property now stands at £58billion, an increase of £5.2billion y-o-y and that there are currently 425,000 properties owned by UK citizens overseas, an increase of 35,000 properties in the last 12 months. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=172 Blue Flag awards that are handed out every year by the Environmental Education Foundation of Turkey (TURCEV) depending on cleanliness of the water, environmental concerns, security, safety and services at beaches and marinas. Antalya received the most number of awards with 127 Blue Flags followed by 47 beaches, marinas and coastlines in Mugla and 29 in Bodrum Blue flag, which is an international eco-label in the field of environmental and human health, is the symbol of trustworthy waters on five continents and 41 countries in the world. image 2,599 beaches and 644 marinas all around the world had a Blue Flag in 2006 and 194 beaches and 14 marinas had this flag in Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=171 Turkey has experienced a significant increase in the number of foreign visitors in the last year, new figures have revealed. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the country has recently seen a double-digit increase in international tourist arrivals. According to official data cited by Reuters, the European country attracted 2.75 million foreign leisure travelers in May. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=170 Bloomberg - Turkey's economic growth accelerated to 6.6 percent in the first quarter from a six-year low in the previous three months as farming recovered from drought, exports boomed and consumer spending grew. The growth rate rose from 3.4 percent in the fourth quarter, the state statistics office in Ankara said on its Web site. The economy had been expected to expand by 5 percent, according to the median estimate of 15 economists surveyed by Bloomberg. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=169 Reuters - Merrill Lynch plans to launch a new Turkish real estate investment fund by the end of this year, the head of the investment bank's Turkish arm said. The new fund follows another real estate fund worth $1 billion launched just over a year ago. Merrill Lynch Turkey chief Kubilay Cinemre gave no details on the possible size of a new fund. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=168 President of world-famous Century 21 Gold for Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine, Alexander Blank, said that they planned to do real estate shopping worth 1 billion dollars with Turkey annually. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=167 Global investment bank Goldman Sachs said in a report that Turkey would grow to become a nearly 6 trillion dollar economy by 2050, the 9th largest economy in the world, moving ahead of G7 countries such as Japan, Germany, Italy, Canada and France. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=166 Antalya Free Trade Zone Operator AS (ASBAS) General Manager Zeki Gurses has stated that after eight years of production and export of luxury yachts, Antalya has become known around the world for its high-quality work in this sector. Recalling that 34 domestic and international yacht construction companies currently do business in the Antalya Free Trade Zone, Gurses noted that Antalya ranks third in Europe in manufacture of composite yachts. The Antalya firms currently employ 1,700 workers. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=165 Leader of trade delegation, President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and member of Higher Advisory Board MUSIAD, Murat Yalcintas has expressed hope that two way trade between Pakistan and Turkey will cross one billion dollars in the near future. Speaking at a meeting of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Monday, he pointed out that around four years ago, bilateral trade was 200 million dollars, but has slowly increased to 800 million dollars now. Yalcintas said that increasing trade between two countries needs frequent exchange of trade delegations and quick dissemination of trade and investment information between the two countries. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=164 The number of energy investors in Turkey reached 3,000, Turkey's Energy Minister Hilmi Guler said on Saturday. Everyone would become an investor in Turkey thanks to the new Electric Market Law, Guler said during a panel discussion titled "Where are we in energy?". http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=163 Tourist arrivals to Turkey rose 19.17% year-on-year in June to 3.31 million, the Tourism Ministry said on Wednesday. The number of tourists in the first half of the year rose 16.36% to 10.69 million compared with the same period last year. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=162 President Abdullah Gul on Monday approved three key pieces of legislation that were passed by Parliament earlier this month, including a much-anticipated law allowing foreign nationals to purchase real estate in Turkey. The law allowing property sales to foreigners was drafted in consideration of the issues put forward in a Constitutional Court decision several months ago that revoked the previous law on the matter. Thus, foreign individuals and companies will be able to purchase land anywhere within the country's borders except in areas designated as irrigation, energy, agricultural, mining, religious or cultural sites, those with special protections for flora or fauna, and strategic areas with security considerations. The Cabinet will have the sole authority to designate such areas. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=161 Looking at the potential of the India market, Turkey recently set up a Turkish Culture and Tourism Office as a part of the Turkish Embassy in New Delhi, India. The office is headed by N Sevgi Boz, counsellor, culture and tourism and is part of the strategy to increase the number of Indian arrivals in Turkey from 45,000 in 2007 to 70,000 in 2008. According to Boz, "Turkey Tourism products, with their great diversity and alluring contrasts, are very strong and colourful, and even the seasoned leisure traveller will find some unique vacation experience in Turkey." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=160 Londoner's are booking holidays to Turkey ahead of Spain, Cyprus and Greece, due to the credit crunch and the increasingly tough economic conditions in the UK. A report by the Co-operative Travel Company has highlighted that a "seismic shift" in the way Briton's were buying holidays this summer, showing Turkey overtaking Spain the favourite location since the Sixties. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=159 Lehman Brothers, the global investment bank, on July 10 announced the formal launch of its business in Turkey, affirming its commitment to this important and expanding market. Commenting on this, Mehmet Simsek, the Turkish State Minister for Economic Affairs said:“During the first quarter of 2008 Turkey’s economic growth accelerated more than expected, thiseconomic stability means that the country remains attractive for leading foreign investors such as Lehman Brothers.” Lehman Brothers opened an office in Istanbul in 2007 and acquired 100% of MNG Securities in October the same year. The Firm now offers full investment banking and capital markets services in Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=158 Turkey's Mediterranean coast provides an escape from our credit-crunch blues Buying a holiday home may not be top of everyone's to-do list this summer, but a place on the Turkish coast can cost as little as £35,000. Tempted? An astute couple could acquire one with a small deposit and a credit card each: credit card companies are still offering 0percent interest for up to 15 months to those with good credit ratings. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=157 News in the foreign press pertaining to Turkey's real estate sector experienced a surge in the aftermath of the approval of a bill by Parliament on July 5 that regulates property sales to foreigners. The attention paid to Turkey's real estate sector, which is characterized by low prices, has been increasing, wrote British newspaper The Times, adding that prices in the sector are expected to skyrocket if Turkey manages to join the European Union. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=156 "Gazipasa-Alanya Airport is a small airport situated on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey." The airport was leased to the Turkish airport management company TAV (Tepe Akfen) Havalimanlari Holdings in mid-2007 for a concessionary period of 25 years – TAV has developed a five-year plan to bring the airport around. This was because the airport was reassessed by a Turkish committee of experts appointed by the State Airports Operations Board of Directors who concluded that the airport could be used for international operations provided that the runway was extended. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=155 Many Britons are turning their backs on Spain in favour of Turkey as a summer holiday destination, it was claimed yesterday. New figures show that Turkey has overtaken Spain this year as the number one destination for two weeks in the sun this summer for the first time for some UK travellers. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=154 Parliament passed a bill late Thursday regulating property sales to foreigners after it was re-arranged. Foreigners and foreign foundations will be able to own up to 10 percent of land within a building scheme, according to the new amendment. In case of liquidation of foreign companies in Turkey, the legislation will apply certain limitations which will enable foreigners to buy land in strategic and important areas only through special permission. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=153 Turkish President Abdullah Gul, who is currently in Japan, met Emperor Akihito on Thursday in a visit that is expected to open a new page to in the economic, tourism and investment potential between the two countries. Gul reminded that Turkey declared 2010 "Japan Year" and once again extended an invitation to Emperor Akihito to visit Turkey, who said he would convey the invitation to the Japanese government. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=152 The BLOOMBERG TELEVISION(R) network examines the riches and risks in the Turkish economy with an exclusive half hour-long special report, "Turkey in Transition," airing Friday, May 30th and repeating throughout the weekend. "Last year's drought caused global food prices and energy to rise. So, inflation has been a global phenomenon across the board," Turkey's Economy Minister Mehmet Simsek tells Bloomberg during the special program. "Inflation in Turkey is at a forty year low, while in many other countries it is at a two decade high." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=151 The Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the tourism statistics for April. The statistics show that the number of tourists visiting Turkey in 2008 is expected to increase significantly. The number of tourists visiting Turkey in the first four months of 2008 increased by 12.37 percent over the same period last year, reaching 4.63 million. On the other hand, according to the statistics, the number of visitors last month increased by 8.35 percent to 1.65 million compared to the March 2007. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=150 Turkey's Nuri Bilge Ceylan won Cannes' Best Director prize on Sunday for his searing family drama "Three Monkeys".Ceylan, almost 40 and already winner of a batch of awards for his first four features, is regarded as one of the most distinctive film-makers of the last decade. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=149 Smoking will be banned in all enclosed areas throughout Turkey under the provisions of the Law to Prevent the Dangers of Tobacco Products that will go into effect on May 19. According to a Prime Ministry notice clarifying the law, all closed areas, including tents and sunshades, with a roof will be non-smoking areas. The non-smoking ban will also apply to areas that are partially covered. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=148 The Queen has described Turkey as "a bridge between East and West at a crucial time" during an official visit to the country. She was speaking at a state banquet in Ankara, hosted by President Abdullah Gul and his wife Hayrunnisa. Turkey had a "key role in promoting peace, political stability and economic development in some of the world's most unsettled areas", she said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=147 Turkey ranked ahead of investment hot spots such as Dubai, Morroco, Florida amongst others which have undergone heavy promotion and advertising launches. It is testament to the fact that Turkey still offers the best combination of good value property in prime locations with an unbeatable year round climate. In the top 101 list, France, Bulgaria and Cyprus came next after Spain, although Italy, has only ranked 21st amongst UK internet users. In the more investment-focused markets, Dubai and Morocco came in at 7th and 13th respectively. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=146 The government raised YTL 2.42 billion ($1.9 billion) in an initial public offering for a 15 percent stake in fixed-line phone company Turk Telekom, making it the country's biggest IPO. The government sold Turk Telekom shares for YTL 4.60 ($3.66) each, close to the top range of YTL 4.70, Metin Kilci, the head of Turkey's asset sales agency, told reporters in Ankara yesterday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=145 The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will begin a historic visit to Turkey today for the first time since 1971. Accompanied by a delegation including her private secretary, the Queen will arrive in the Turkish capital in the evening and will first visit the mausoleum of Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. President Abdullah Gul will receive the British monarch at the Cankaya Presidential Palace and host a state banquet in her honor. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=144 British mobile phone Vodafone announced Tuesday that it will distribute Apples wildly popular iPhone in 10 new countries including Turkey, Australia, and South Africa, the AFP reported. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=143 The number of tourists arriving in Antalya by plane has grown by 17 percent in comparison to the same period last year, the Antalya Culture and Tourism Directorate announced yesterday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=142 Turkey's exports increased by 39.16 percent to $11.39 billion in April, compared to the same period last year, the chairman of the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TIM) announced yesterday. The 12-month exports rose by 27.61 percent to reach $117.5 billion as of April, Turkey's exports increased 36.9 percent to $42.79 billion in the three months through March, according to TIM data. In April industry constituted 88.4 percent of aggregate exports while agriculture provided 9 percent and mining 2.59 percent. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=141 European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) gave the monopoly of European Beach Volley to Turkish Beach Federation for 30 years. The negotiation between CEV Chairman Andre Meyer and TVF (Turkish Volleyball Federation) Chairman Erol Unal Karabiyik regarding Turkey’s being European Beach Volley Center has concluded happily by the agreement signed in Alanya. European Volleyball Confederation Chairman Andre Meyer was invited to Turkey on 19th July 2007 by TVF Chairman Erol Unal Karabiyik in order to see and decide for the areas of European Beach Volley Center. By means of Alanya Mayor Hasan Sipahioglu’s allocation of 6.000 m2 area on Ahmet Tokus Boulevard together with 27.500 m2 beach area to Turkish Volleyball Federation use, the choice was made on Alanya’s side. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=140 Turkish property has increased in popularity over the past year, while Morocco, Cyprus, Portugal and Italy have also shown significant growth as property hotspots. Turkish property has soared in popularity more than three-fold over the past year amongst British investors, research from Moneycorp’s Foreign Focus Index reveals. The number of enquiries relating to buying property in Turkey received by Moneycorp’s currency dealing desk has increased more than three-fold from 2006 to 2007. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=139 Turkish building construction cost increased 11.45% from the previous year in the first quarter, the Turkish Statistical Institute revealed Tuesday. This compares to 17.89% growth in the first quarter of 2007. Labor cost showed an annual growth of 12.54% and material cost climbed 11.15%. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=138 It's not the minarets, the sunsets or the Bosphorous views making Istanbul's April crowds coo with pleasure -- it is the tulips. With a tulip blooming for almost every one of its 12 million inhabitants the city hopes to remind the world that Turkey was the original home of the flower now more usually associated with clogs, cheese and windmills. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=137 The Presidential Cycling Tour, which is the prestige race of Turkish Cycling, has become an organization that all the federations want to successfully emulate. Newly promoted to a UCI 2.1 event, the race has been boosted by government support and the President of the republic, Abdullah Gul, who attended the last stage in Alanya on the Mediterranean coast. With the participation of qualified athletes and the success in managing the organization the sport of cycling has progressed country-wide. Some of the most famous professionals, Silence-Lotto, Saunier Duval Scott, Team Milram, Lampe, Astana are the teams which coloured this year’s tour. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=136 Hollywood star Josh Holloway otherwise known as 'Sawyer' from popular tv show 'LOST' recently visited Turkey to shoot a commercial for Magnum ice-cream. Including the commercial shoot, Josh also took time out to speak to the press and appeared on various popular tv shows for interviews. Josh spoke about his impression of Turkey and Istanbul and talked about how he would definitely visit again with his wife as he was keen to show her this magical city. Josh follows a stream of Amercian stars who have recently visited Turkey including Paris Hilton, Ivanka and Donald Trump and Kevin Costner. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=135 Turkey ranked 11th in terms of tourist arrivals and ninth in tourism revenues among the worlds' top 20 tourism destinations, the State Planning Organization (DPT) said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=134 U.S. property tycoon Donald Trump is to build an office, residential and shopping complex in Istanbul together with Turkey's prominent Dogan family, the Dogan Group said in a statement. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=133 The shopping center stock in Turkey is set to increase by around 60%* over the next two years according to the latest Turkish Retail Market Report from Jones Lang LaSalle and Alkas Consulting. The shopping center market in Turkey has seen significant development in the last two years; the number of centers has increased by 33 since the beginning of 2007 and totalled 188 in February 2008. An additional 66 centers are currently under construction and a total of 84 are planned. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=132 The "Southeast Europe Attractiveness Survey," announced in Istanbul yesterday, revealed that Turkey is challenging Romania in terms of attractiveness for potential investors. Turkey ranks second with 50 percent approval, whilst Romania scores 52 percent in this year's survey. “Last year Romania scored 58 percent, but this year it came down to 52. Turkey, on the other hand, improved its attractiveness by one percent. This is a good trend for Turkey,” Fabrice Reynaud, senior manager at Ernst and Young, told reporters. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=131 Summer holidays in Europe will be significantly more expensive for British holidaymakers in particular as sterling's value has plummeted 15 per cent against the euro in just 12 months. One of the main sufferers would be Spain as more holidaymakers chose Turkey, Florida and dollar-based destinations such as the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Mexico. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=130 British consumers are continuing to defy fears of a big slowdown in holiday bookings this summer, while north European sales are booming, said Thomas Cook, which has also revealed it was in talks to buy a Russian tour operator. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=129 WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- Turkey's government is determined to maintain policies that will help it deal with the turmoil in global financial markets, according to a senior representative at the International Monetary Fund. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=128 Three new companies from Turkey -- Eregli Demir-Celik (Erdemir), Halk Bank and Ford Automotive -- made the Forbes Global 2000 list this year, raising the total number of Turkish companies on the list to 14. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=127 Turkey will host the largest U.S. trade delegation ever to visit the country from April 14-16, said a written statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Ankara. Over 60 U.S. companies will participate in the “Trade Winds Europe” conference, which has been organized by the Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce, with the support of U.S. and Turkish companies and business organizations, said the statement. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=126 Residents and friends were invited on Saturday to our first spring barbeque at Prestige Residence. Seated on pool side tables enjoying the beautiful Alanya weather, everyone tucked into a buffet selection of salads and vegetarian dishes as well as hot food served fresh off the barbeque. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=125 Russian tourists have become increasingly prominent in a number of global tourist destinations. In 2007 more than two million Russians visited Turkey, bringing economic benefits to the country's economy. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=124 Moscow and Istanbul real estate investment returns are likely to surpass Paris and London on optimism faster growth in emerging markets will push up rents and fuel demand for property, according to a survey of investors, brokers and analysts. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=123 Moscow and Istanbul Rated Top Markets for Investment and Development in Emerging Trends in Real Estate® Europe 2008. U.S. Economic Woes Lead to Higher Risk, Tighter Credit for European Cities in the Year Ahead http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=122 National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), the largest bank in Kuwait and the highest-rated bank in the Middle East, announced today in an international press conference in Istanbul the successful conclusion of the acquisition of a 40% stake in Turkish Bank. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=121 ANKARA, March 10 (Reuters) - Turkey expects a strong tourist season in 2008 despite an economic slowdown in Europe, its main market, tourism officials said on Monday. The Turkish Tourism Investors Association (TYD) expects the number of foreign tourists visiting Turkey to rise 12 percent in 2008, resulting in revenues of up to $21 billion, said Murat Dedeman, the head of the Tourism Investors Association. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=120 Turkey has changed its method of calculating its gross domestic product, switching to the system used in the Europen Union which it is hoping to join, the country's statistics office said Saturday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=119 ISTANBUL, March 5 (Reuters) - Turks celebrated late into the night after Fenerbahce beat Sevilla to reach the Champions League quarter-finals and newspapers heralded the victory on Wednesday as putting it among the giants of European football. Fenerbahce became the second Turkish team to reach the quarter-finals of the competition after former UEFA Cup champions Galatasaray, whose success in Europe has until now overshadowed that of its Istanbul rivals. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=118 Alanya International Mountain Bike Race was held last week with the attendance of 199 sportsmen from eight countries. Kristian Hynek, from the Czech Republic was the winner in the Elite male category with a time of two minutes 5.54 seconds. Czech Mathaus Ulman came in second with 2.06.25 and Austrian Alban Lakata finished third with 2.09.25. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=117 Work is progressing on Alanya's East Beach road running alongside Keykubet Beach. The road has now been reduced from 4 to 2 lanes and new trees have been planted and wider pavements are being laid. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=116 Turkish banks, whose financial infrastructure turned upside down during the devastating 2001 crisis, posted record profits after six years. In 2007, their profit per day was YTL 40.8 million. Overall profit of banks between 2002 and 2007 is a whopping $35 billion http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=115 Once known for its shanty towns and sardine fishermen, Istanbul has emerged as one of the world’s richest cities, home to the fourth highest number of billionaires, behind Moscow, New York and London. Extraordinary wealth may not always be what springs to mind in connection with Turkey. Yet according to figures published by Forbes magazine last week, the opulent villas and wooden waterfront mansions lining the Bosphorus – Sabanci Dincer lives in one with her husband Haluk and two children – are home to 35 billionaires, up from 25 in 2007.Billionaire cities http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=114 Belek, Antalya, Turkey's up and coming golf centre, is preparing to host a major golf event in May with the 250,000-euro Turkish Ladies Open, a part of the 2008 Ladies European Tour (LET). http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=113 After deliberating about an Indian office for almost a year, Turkey has finally confirmed its plan to open a dedicated National Tourist Office (NTO) in India in the next two months. The office is scheduled to come up in Chanakya Puri, New Delhi. It is, currently, scouting for a suitable location in the area. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=112 Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Turkey rose 9.8 percent to hit $21.9 billion in 2007 and came mostly in the form of privatizations, mergers and acquisitions, and property sales, the Undersecretariat of the Treasury announced in its monthly "Foreign Direct Investment Data" bulletin published yesterday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=111 The big operators Cosmos Holidays (0871 423 8560 www.cosmos.co.uk) New to this year's Summer Holidays brochure is the Lykia World Antalya in Olu Deniz – plus upmarket hotels in Gumbet and Belek. See www.somewhere2stay.com for accommodation in a big choice of resorts near Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=110 Caffè Nero, the coffee bar operator, has started to open stores in Turkey as part of an international expansion strategy targeting the Gulf, China and several European countries. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=109 Emaar Turkey, the country-subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, has signed an agreement to purchase 73,571 sq m of prime land in Istanbul, to develop a mixed-use project, details of which are currently being finalised. The purchase protocol valued at $400m has been signed between Emaar Turkey and Toprak Holding. The land is ideal for a mixed-use development with residential, commercial and tourism components. Located in the Istanbul Asian side within the junction of main highways, it is also in close proximity to the proposed metro line that will join the rail tube tunnel under the Marmara Sea connecting Asia to Europe. The metro line is scheduled to be operational in 2009. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=108 The Turkish-American Business Council and the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) will hold a conference in New York on March 17, 2008. The conference, titled "Turkey after 2008," is a continuation of an earlier meeting held in March of last year, titled "Turkey: the New Target of Direct Investment and Private Equity Funds." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=107 There are around 1.7 million people on Turkey’s Facebook network but the number is actually higher since some users do not join any network. The question is how did Facebook become so popular even though the website does not have a Turkish version and Internet use is relatively low in Turkey http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=106 Thirty years is a long time. As Turkey and India rediscover their common values, economic and strategic interests, two secular democracies are reaching out to each other across an arc of instability to build a better economic and political relationship. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=105 According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Turkey is among the 10 most popular tourist destinations worldwide. With an increase of about 18 percent in tourists visiting Turkey in 2007, the country's tourism market is growing at a rate above the world average. The UNWTO calls this rise in its Worlds Tourism Report 2007 "proof of the positive impact of the continued economic pick-up of the country." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=104 According to a survey published today, in the form of A Place in the Sun magazine’s annual Top 20 buying destinations, despite a raft of emerging markets and USA property prices down 30% on a year ago and a dollar weakened by 25%, it’s the traditional sun-seeker’s favourite Spain that takes the number one spot for the second year running. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=103 Turkish lira, which was the second best-performing emerging-market currency against the dollar last year, rose to its strongest in more than 6 1/2 years against the dollar last week as the highest interest rates in Europe and government plans to simplify taxes and boost employment attracted investors. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=102 Featured in one of U.K's leading newspapers the Daily Mail, Turkey has been selected as a overseas property hotspot for 2008! When looking at where to find a foreign bolthole that will offer good capital appreciation in 2008, Turkey ranked as one of the emerging stars and here's why; http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=101 A new airport will open up Alanya inTurkey to more British buyers reports U.K's Leading Sunday Newspaper The Mail on Sunday 6th January 2008 http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=97 TAV Havalimanlari Holding announced that State Airports Operations Board of Directors approved the lease of Alanya - Gazipasa airport for 25 years. Operating lease commitment between the state-run department for aviation and the worldwide operating turkish company TAV for the airport in Gazipasa has now been signed. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=96 Turkey will maintain its strong commercial performance also this year, said the World Trade Organization (WTO) in a report. Should structural reforms in foreign trade be ongoing, Turkey's economic performance will also improve, according to WTO's data. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=95 Best Buy, one of the largest technology retailers in the US, is assessing Turkey as a possible investment center in the future expansion plans of the company. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=94 Early bookings to Portugal and Turkey doing particularly well for 2008, according to ABTA as it released an end of year set of holiday trends. ABTA has forecasted a set of holiday trends suggesting that forthcoming events in 2008 will play a big part in generating tourism. With almost 70 million holidays abroad taken by UK residents in 2007, the numbers are set to increase into 2008, with Portugal and Turkey holidays providing early signs of particularly encouraging bookings. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=93 NEW FOR 2008! LUXURY APARTMENTS AT PRESTIGE RESIDENCE AVAILABLE WITH A 20 YEAR LOW-INTEREST MORTGAGE WITH GARANTI BANK! From the 1st of January 2008 till the 31st of March 2008, Torsolar Construction are offering all our customers a further 1% discount from the current APR% rate on a Euro mortgage at Garanti Bank. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=92 Significant growth in cell phone usage has led monthly cell phone sales to exceed 1 million units in Turkey, making Turkey an important market for cell phone producers. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=91 The sticky but exquisitely Belgian world of pralines, truffles and cocoa butter is about to be transported to the land of Turkish Delight. Godiva Chocolatier, the Belgian chocolate maker, is to being sold by Campbell Soup Company to Yildiz Holding, a firm based in Istanbul that owns Ulker Group, a Turkish biscuit conglomerate. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=90 The number of foreign tourists visiting Turkey during the 11 months between January and November 2007 rose 18.15 percent compared to the corresponding figures of 2006. Some 22.3 million foreign visitors arrived between January and November, up from 18.8 million in the same month of 2006. The figures were released by the Turkish Hoteliers Federation (Turofed) in a press conference in Istanbul yesterday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=89 From this week, all residents at Prestige Residence can start to enjoy the convenience of a 24 hour wireless internet service in their own apartment. A wireless internet signal has been installed around the perimeter of the site so you won't need to make anymore more visits to an internet cafe! You can now surf the net from your own home and at no extra cost. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=88 Private equity (PE) investors are keeping their trust in Turkish markets alive though they are in a cautious mood due to the recent turmoil in the global markets, consulting and accounting giant Deloitte claimed in another report yesterday. Its Private Equity Confidence Survey (PECS), published for the second time this year, showed that although the depth of the US subprime problems currently remains unclear, the main emerging markets including Turkey have avoided problems for the moment and in some respects have even been seen as a "safe haven." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=87 The “Clean Environment, Green world, Blue Sea” campaign has been launched with the cooperation of the Turkey Environment Education Association (TURCEV) and the daily Hurriyet. Turkey, with its 235 blue flag beaches, ranked fourth in the world following Spain, Greece and France said Izmir Governor Cahit Kirac at the conference. “Izmir, with its 23 beaches in the districts of Selcuk, Ozdere, Gumuldur, Cesme, Karaburun, Foca and Dikili, has some 10 percent of all shorelines in Turkey flying the blue flag,” said Kirac. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=86 The firm, which plays an important role in Turkey's lucrative tourism sector, posted a net profit of 194.19 million lira ($165.62 million) in the first nine months of 2007, up 52.4 percent from the same period last year. Its share price was 2.79 percent lower at 8.70 lira at 1207 GMT, in line with the main stock exchange index. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=85 Age of Riches, Articles in this series are examining the effects of the growing concentration of wealth. Since 2000, Husnu M. Ozyegin has spent more than $50 million of his own money, building 36 primary schools and girls’ dormitories in the poorest parts of Turkey. Next to the Turkish government, Mr. Ozyegin is the biggest individual supporter of schools in the country — and an official from the education ministry has told him that his market share is increasing. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=83 ISTANBUL, Turkey, Dec. 11 GE Energy Financial Services will join GAMA Holding AS to invest in energy and water projects in Turkey. The company said it will help the surrounding region meet rising demand for electricity and water, and grow in emerging markets. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=82 The uncertainty over IndianOil’s proposed 15-million-tonne greenfield refinery in Turkey seems to be over. According to sources, the Energy Market Regulatory Authority of Turkey has finally granted licence to IOC-Calik Holding joint venture last week for setting up the refinery at the port city of Ceyhan. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=81 Turkey’s economy grew by 2 percent in the third quarter of 2007 from the equivalent figure last year, the Turkish Statistics Institute said on Monday. The figure shows the change in gross national product (GNP) over the period, the preferred measure of Turkish economic growth, which includes the output of millions of Turkish workers abroad. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=80 Turkish Mediterranean province of Antalya has become the new favorite for international capital companies which work in Turkey. According to figures of Treasury Undersecretariat, Turkey drew direct investment of 940 million USD in September 2007. On the other hand, direct investment figure in January-September period of 2007 has become 15.3 billion USD. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=79 Turkey is among the countries that have been shortlisted for an EC 'European destination of excellence' award. The competition is designed to recognise Europe's most popular tourist destination of 2007, with the eventual winner set to be announced next year. Representatives from Turkey's ministry of culture and tourism will be assigned to decide which particular destination will be put forward to represent the country, Turkish Press reports. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=78 In a recent survey comparing the purchasing power of European countries, Turkey has placed 31st with per capita disposable income of just over 3,000 euros. The findings of a recent Growth for Knowledge survey have revealed that European consumers have a total of around 8,000 billion euros to spend from their household net income. This corresponds to an average purchasing power, or disposable income, of around 11,998 euros per capita across the 40 countries surveyed. This figure includes state payments such as unemployment benefit, child support allowance and pensions. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=77 Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) sets a new record in its general public offerings by surpassing the $2.8 billion record set in 2000, to reach $3.3 billion. With a public offering by Turk Telekom and Ziraat Bank a new record is expected to be set in 2008 http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=76 Istanbul, Turkey (Sports Network) - Turkish champion Fenerbahce overcame an early own goal to defeat CSKA Moscow, 3-1, on Wednesday and qualify for the knockout round of the Champions League for the first time. Ugur Boral had two goals and Alex chipped in one, helping Fenerbahce finish second in Group G and earn one of the two qualifying berths still undecided entering the final day of the group stage. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=75 There was a time when foreign investors couldn't leave Turkey fast enough. It was back in 2001 when the entire economy crumbled. Nearly seven years later the wounds have largely healed, growth has returned and Turkey's becoming a realistic, even alluring, destination for foreign investors with money to spend. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=74 The number of British tourists visiting Turkey during the January-October period of this year increased by 14.58 percent, said a statement from the Turkish Culture and Tourism Consultancy in the United Kingdom. This is considered "quite a healthy increase," the statement said. In January-October 2006, 1.6 million British tourists visited Turkey and in 2007 the number rose to 1.9 million. In the same period, the number of tourists coming from European Union countries also increased http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=73 Tourists are continuing to enjoy summer-like weather in the southern province of Antalya where meterorologists have recorded that the weather is averaging around 23 degrees celcius. Meliha Sene Aksel, who came to Antalya for the first time from Belgium, said she was surprised to see that the weather is so warm in Antalya, adding 'I did not expect the weather to be so warm. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=72 For all DIY enthusiasts the opening of Koctas (B and Q) has come a welcome arrival to Alanya. The store opened last Friday and is convenientely located a 5 minute walk away from Prestige Residence. The store offers a complete range of D.I.Y products, electrical goods and appliances, gardening store and plenty of choice items for all your decorating needs. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=71 The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have arrived in Turkey for a four-day tour of its cultural and historical treasures. They will visit the mausoleum of one of Islam's most celebrated poets during the trip, which is the third by Prince Charles in as many years. The royal couple arrived in Turkey's capital Ankara after an invitation from President Abdullah Gul. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=70 Exciting news for travellers from the U.K to Antalya, British Airways have announced that they will operate flights from Gatwick to Antalya with three flights per week to Antalya from April 10, 2008. This is exciting news for the region that has already seen an increase of 25% in tourist numbers since last year. Now travellers will be able to choose from flights on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for departures to the city on the Mediterranean coast, according to the New Anatolian http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=69 The number of foreign visitors to Turkey rose 25.6 percent year-on-year in October to 2.15 million, the Turkish Statistics Institute said on Wednesday. In the first 10 months of the year, the number rose 18.3 percent to 21.1 million, the institute said. Visitor numbers have continued to show strong growth, but income from tourism has grown more slowly than visitor numbers. In the third quarter revenues rose 8.6 percent year-on-year to $8.7 billion, after 1 percent growth in the second quarter. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=68 Business prodigy Sir Richard Branson, in Istanbul for the first time, said Saturday he intends to enter the Turkish cellular phone market. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=67 Forbes magazine has announced the richest people in the world as of 2007. There is a total of 946 billionairs this year (+150 compared to last year) who scored with their personal wealth, Bill Gates being on top of the list (56 billion US Dollars), Warren Buffett the 2nd (52 billion USD), and the Mexican businessman Carlos Slim Helu as the 3rd (49 billion USD). http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=66 Close to 8,000 beds in 25 accomodation facilities await winter tourists all across Turkey but the Culture and Tourism Ministry aims to boost the number to 42,700 through a series of construction projects currently in the pipeline. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=65 Year-end spending habits of Turks are becoming increasingly similar to that of Europeans, according to research conducted by global consulting firm Deloitte. The survey conducted in 15 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa with more than 15,000 participants shows the Turkish consumer is more optimistic than the European consumer, as 32 percent believe the economy is stable, while 17.3 percent say it is growing. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=64 Netherlands-based property firm Redevco announced yesterday that it was planning to make more than $1 billion in investments in Turkey, with shopping malls and business centers on the drawing board for Istanbul, Ankara, Edirne, Manisam, Antalya and Erzurum. Redevco Europe CEO Jaap Gillis, Redevco Turkey Managing Director Patrick van Dooyewert and Redevco Turkey Construction and Land Development Director Muharrem Polat held a press conference yesterday for the promotion of the projects. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=63 Mediterranean city Antalya's Alanya district will be promoted in 18 more fairs, 17 of which will be organized abroad. In a statement the Foundation for Alanya Tourism and Promotion said that there were 20 fairs in 2007-2008 schedule of the foundation. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=62 World-famous Hollywood actor Kevin Costner and his band Modern West rocked Istanbul's WOW Convention Center Tuesday night at a rare concert in Turkey. The Oscar-winning actor, starring in such hits as "Dances with the Wolves," "Field of Dreams," "JFK," "The Bodyguard" and "The Postman," walked to the stage from among the audience at the beginning of his Istanbul concert. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=61 Turkey jumped up six spots to 53rd place among 131 countries in the overall ranking of The Global Competitiveness Report 2007-2008, released by the World Economic Forum yesterday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=60 Norwegian Ankara Ambassador Ms Cecilie Landsverk who came to Alanya to attend the opening exhibition of Turkish and Norwegian ceramic artists that is organized at Alanya Municipality Arts Center, visited Mayor Hasan Sipahioglu. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=59 17th International Alanya Triathlon European Final ended. 400 sportsmen attended the competitions from 35 countries. The start of the organization consisting of 6 categories was given by Deputy Mayor Kemal Dere. The Russian Yulian Malshev in men’s category and Ukrainian Yulia Yelistratova in women’s category were the winners at Alanya Triathlon championship which is the final stage of European Triathlon Cup. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=58 Lithuania’s real estate newspaper Bustas carried on a full page of Alanya news in the front page regarding the promotion of real estate sector in Alanya. The paper emphasized on the villas, construction sector and the interest of the foreigners in Alanya. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=57 Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Costner was one of the guests at a presidential reception to mark the 84th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Turkey at Cankaya Palace yesterday. After shaking hands with President Abdullah Gul, the world-famous actor had a brief chat with him http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=56 Alanya Triathlon Championship will start at 09:15 am on Wednesday 24th October in the harbor with swimming category and continue at the road between the old Kocbank crossroad and Grand Kaptan Hotel http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=55 Turkey, which drew foreign investment to the tune of $20.1 billion last year, is the sixth most attractive country for investment, according to the World Investment Report 2007, prepared by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=54 Turkey, one of the most attractive countries among western Asian economies, made the list of the world's largest cross-border mergers and acquisitions of 2006 with five operations: http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=53 Developing countries and transition economies have experienced an all-time-high foreign investment inflow of $379 billion. The increase in international direct investment is related to the abundance of liquidity all over the world, strong economic performance and increasing profitability. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=52 LONDON, Oct 18 (Reuters) - U.S.-based bank Lehman Brothers said on Thursday it had agreed to buy Turkish equity securities brokerage firm MNG Securities. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=51 American R and B singer Beyonce Knowles, is due to perform in Istanbul at a rare concert, scheduled for Oct. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=50 Finland - Helsinki: 15 to 16 September 2007 with Asuntovarma Buying Properties Abroad Exhibition will be held at Wanha Satama in Helsinki on Saturday and Sunday, September 15 - 16, 2007 between 10.30 - 17.00 Our projects will be presented by IDEAL REAL ESTATE and Asuntovarma Oy LKV (Kiinteistomaailma) Kazan - Teteristan: 25th to 29th September 2007 http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=49 Last Updated: 12:01am BST 20/09/2007 As the weather cools, more of us are tempted to buy abroad. But will it be a Turkish bargain, asks Cherry Maslen A new airport outside the ancient city of Alanya in southern Turkey has finally been given the go-ahead after years of anticipation. It will take just 20-30 minutes to reach the city from the new Gazipasa airport, which will be 30km outside Alanya. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=48 Koc Holding's do - it - yourself chain, Koctas / B and Q will be opening a brand new store in Alanya before the end of the year. Koc entered the home retail sector in 1996 leading the development on th Turkish DIY sector and launched their first store in Bornova, Izmir. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=47 SEARCHING for that dream home in the sun but can't afford Spain? Then why not take a look at Turkey? The country at the eastern end of the Med is becoming increasingly popular with Brits buying abroad, with 17,000 homes now under UK ownership. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=46 Property investors can only expect a better outlook for the future when looking to Alanya as an investment opportunity. News of the opening of Gazipasa airport has brought a stream of investors to Alanya hoping to have their share of what will undoubtedly create a major boom in tourism and development. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=45 Over 30 different Web sites promoting Turkey in different countries and languages have been gathered under the single Web portal by the Culture and Tourism Ministry. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=44 A concert by the popular Latvian jazz musician Laimis Racenajs and his band opened the fifth edition of the Alanya Jazz Days at the Mediterranean holiday town's Kizilkule Square. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=43 The announcement of Tepe Afken Airports Holding (TAV) winning the right to operate the Gazipasa Airport near Alanya for 25 years has lead to a boom in the real estate and construction sector. Upcoming projects include residences, five star hotels and a golf course. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=42 ANKARA - A draft of Turkey's new constitution will be finalised before the end of September and submitted to parliament for approval before the end of this year, a senior official of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) said late Monday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=41 Turkish province of Antalya will host the 2011 Outdoor Sports Olympics, said the International Federation of Popular Sports (IVV) on Wednesday. More than 30,000 athletes from 50 countries and regions are expected to attend the Antalya Olympics, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=40 The nation voted for a new Parliament in an election on Sunday that went peacefully across the country, with a record-high in participation rate. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=39 The London-based Global Property Guide (GPG), a respected consultancy group preparing analyses and research on global property markets, determined recently that Turkey has one of the most attractive property markets in Europe. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=38 DUE TO PHENOMENAL DEMAND  OUR SPECIAL OFFER IS EXTENDED TO THE 15TH OF SEPTEMBER** http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=37 ISTANBUL, Turkey -- Turkish champions Fenerbahce have signed Real Madrid full back Roberto Carlos, the Istanbul club said on its Web site on Wednesday. A World Cup winner in 2002, the 34-year-old Brazilian announced in March he would be leaving the Bernabeu at the end of the Primera Liga season, and he has now accepted a new challenge with Fenerbahce, where his countryman Zico is the coach. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=36 Kipa, the Turkish subsidiary of Europe’s largest retailer Tesco, is to open a brand new store in Alanya this summer. The new store opening comes as part of an expansion of stores in Turkey which has already reaped substantial profits for the chain since they launched their partnership with Kipa. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=35 Total climbs to 230 It is expected that 38 more beaches in Turkey will get Blue Flag certification -- an international standard of cleanliness, tidiness and good maintenance -- bringing the total number of Blue Flagged beaches in Turkey to 230. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=34 Fenerbahce proudly wins this title for the 17th time. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=33 NEW YORK -- Visits by Americans to Turkey have returned to pre-2001 levels, with 532,000 U.S. visitor arrivals in 2006, according to statistics from the Turkish government http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=32 Turkey to partly cancel property sale law: Turkey's Constitutional Court cancelled part of a law previously approved by Turkey's center-right government. The law was to allow sales of real estate to foreigners as part of a drive to open up the economy and to meet legal standards of the European Union. The ruling affected a part of the law that allows the cabinet to increase the amount of land owned by individual foreigners in Turkey by up to 30 hectares. Turkish Daily News http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=31 13 April 2007 - Britons spending £161 million each year on medical tourism reveals Treatment Abroad. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=30 About 3,000 foreign-owned companies - two-thirds of them from the EU - set up shop in Turkey in 2006. Foreign investment has almost quadrupled in the last three years, drawn in by a rigorous round of reforms, a skilled, low cost workforce, a 20 per cent corporate tax rate and a market of 72 million people. In 2006 foreign investment in Turkey reached $17.4 billion, compared with $8.5 billion the year before http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=29 Norwegian Air will start to fly between Antalya - Oslo from 5th May and the service will initially operate ones a week on Saturdays. Prices are starting from 342 NOK. Norwegian has 22 aircraft of Boeing 737-300 with 148 seats. Visit www.norwegian.no for further information. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=28 Antalya based SunExpress Airlines the sister company of Turkish Airlines starts to fly between Antalya and London from 8th february 2007. The service will initially operate twice-weekly on Mondays and Thursdays. Visit www.sunexpress.com.tr for further information. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=27 Turkey's golf tourism sector is set to rise over the course of this year, an industry official has reported. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=26 Our 1st Residents Meeting at Safran Residence took place on the 31st of March and was a very lively and http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=25 Toroslar are pleased to offer an exclusive discount to our customers for purchase of furniture at Arstil in Alanya. We will give our customers a special discount coupon which entitles our customers to a special 15% discount for all furniture purchases at Arstil. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=24 Queen Beatrix of Holland arrives in Turkey today for a 4 day visit as the official guest of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, accompanied by her son, Prince Willem Alexander, and her daughter in law Princess Maxima, who is 7 months pregnant. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=23 The total income from foreign property sales has now reached 7.2 billion dollars over the last 4 years. Property in Turkey has been available to sale to foreigners since 2003. Merkez bank report that the highest level of sales achieved was in 2005 seeing an increase of 59% from the previous year with property sales worth 2.9 billion dollars. In 2006 monthly sales were worth an average of 243.5 million dollars. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=22 The property exhibition, ”Buying Properties Abroad” arranged by Fair Media took place on the 20th and 21st of January 2007 in Globen Stockholm. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=20 A Place in the Sun Live, in association with Moneycorp, is back…and it's bigger and better than ever before! Taking place at ExCeL London, from Friday 30th March to Sunday 1st April, it is the world's largest exhibition of overseas property. Based on the hit Channel 4 TV series, the exhibition will feature 1000s of properties for sale http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=19 A Place in the Sun Live! - the exciting new overseas property, travel and lifestyle exhibition. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=18 Turkey is such an exciting nation with incredible potential for growth in many sectors - from automotive manufacturing to tourism for example – and this growth will most certainly enhance both the commercial and residential real estate industries for a number of significant and sustainable reasons. As a result of these facts Turkey is definitely one of our favourite emerging markets for 2007 and it is our belief that property investment in Turkey in 2007 will soar and the foundations will be laid by many for the attainment of substantial profits over at least the medium term. However, as with any emerging market it is not all plain sailing in terms of profiting from property in Turkey and as a result this overview of the Turkish property market prospects for investors in 2007 will aim to show both the main prospects for growth and also any significant factors that could potentially inhibit the ongoing appeal and development of the property market. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=17 For investors, holiday or retirement home buyers, for property developers and those looking to land bank attractive parcels of Turkish real estate this is our comprehensive Turkey Property Report which details and assesses the latest findings and statistics relating to the areas of Turkey most popular with overseas buyers, the most common buyers of property in Turkey and the future prospects for intense development and purchase focus. 2006 has so far been an important year for the emerging Turkish real estate market and it means that now is definitely the time that investors hungry for a new market should begin seriously exploring their options in this exciting nation full of potential. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=16 There has been a sharply growing demand for buying property in Turkey. According to data revealed by Minister of Finance in August, the number of Britons who own a real estate in Turkey rose to 14,456 from 2,964 in mid-July 2003. Thus, the increase in the number of Britons who invested in property became 388% over the period in question. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=15 Figures from Turkish Treasury showed that the number of FDI companies in Turkey reached 13,904 at end-August 2006. When the distribution of the companies with foreign capital according to their country of origin is concerned, it is seen that 7,500 of the total 13,904 companies with foreign capital are of EU origin, in which Germany leads with 2.435 firms followed by United Kingdom (1,226) and Holland (1,098).