Speaking to the Anatolia news agency, Voets noted that Turkey has one of the fastest growing aviation sectors in Europe. The inclination of individuals toward travelling in recent years has played an important role in this growth, he remarked, adding that easyJet cannot remain indifferent to this potential.

“Low fare flights in Turkey have a big potential even though their market share is only 3%.”

Voets, noting that the Turkish market can easily adapt to low fare flights, said customers are more budget conscious - especially during the economic crisis.

EasyJet, the fourth-largest airline in Turkey in terms of seating capacity, has a market share of 7%, he said.

On his first visit as prime minister, he said the country could become a “great European power”, helping build links with the Middle East.

He compared hostility to the membership bid in some parts of the EU with the way the UK’s entry was once regarded.

Mr Cameron was expected to agree a new strategic partnership with Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan during his visit.

‘Frustrating progress’

In a speech at the Turkish parliament in Ankara, Mr Cameron said he wanted to “pave the road” for Turkey to join the EU, saying the country was “vital for our economy, vital for our security & vital for our diplomacy”.

A European Union without Turkey at its heart was “not stronger but weaker… not more secure but less… not richer but poorer”.

Mr Cameron added: “I’m here to make the case for Turkey’s membership of the EU. & to fight for it.”

At a joint press conference with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Mr Cameron suggested the UK would impose provisional restrictions - as with Bulgarians & Romanians after they joined - on the right of Turkish people to live & work in the UK after it joined the EU.

But the rapid rate of Turkey’s economic growth would make any restrictions unnecessary in decades to come, he added.

He said: “One of the effects here is that [as] economies grow & become more evolved, the pressure & flow [of people] between countries isn’t so great.”

Referring to former French President General Charles de Gaulle’s efforts to block British membership of the EU in the 1960s, Mr Cameron said in his speech: “We know what it’s like to be shut out of the club. But we also know that these things can change.

“When I think about what Turkey has done to defend Europe as a Nato ally, & what Turkey is doing today in Afghanistan, alongside our European allies, it makes me angry that your progress towards EU membership can be frustrated in the way it has been.

“My view is clear. I believe it is just wrong to say that Turkey can guard the camp but not be allowed to sit in the tent.

“So I will remain your strongest possible advocate for EU membership & greater influence at the top table of European diplomacy.”

Regional role

Mr Cameron said those who opposed EU membership were driven by protectionism, narrow nationalism or prejudice.

“Those who wilfully misunderstand Islam, they see no difference between real Islam & the distorted version of the extremists. They think the problem is Islam itself. And they think the values of Islam can just never be compatible with the values of other religions, societies or cultures.”

He said: “All of these arguments are just plain wrong. And as a new government in Britain, I want us to be at the forefront of an international effort to defeat them.”

While praising Turkey’s secular & democratic traditions, Mr Cameron stressed that Turkey must continue to push forward “aggressively” with economic & political reform to maintain momentum towards EU membership.

He said the country had a “unique influence” in helping to build a stable Afghanistan through political & economic co-operation & fostering understanding between Israel & the Arab world.

Source: BBC

The data was compiled from the last quarter of 2009 when the majority of holidays are being planned for 2010 and provides an interesting insight into where the British plan to holiday this year. It is hoped a good number of visitors will go onto purchase property in Turkey.

Bodrum (BJV) ranked 15^th and Dalaman (DLM) 5^th over increasingly less popular Spanish destinations such as; Palma, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Barcelona, Murcia, Ibiza, Fuerteventura and Madrid - a number of which plummeted down the rankings.

Thomas Cook, TUI and easyJet have already announced increases to their services to Bodrum and Dalaman for 2010 to cater for the growth in demand.

Favourite Italian destinations such as Rome, Venice and Milan also saw their rankings slip.

Bodrum and Dalaman polled higher positions than even the most traditional European holiday destinations such as Faro (Portugal), Geneva (Switzerland), Paris and Nice (France), Amsterdam (Holland), Dublin (Ireland), Prague (Czech Rep.), Berlin and Munich (Germany), Salzburg (Austria), Crete (Greece) and Sofia (Bulgaria).

A major contributory factor could well be the strength of the Euro against the pound where the British in particular, when contrasted against their European counterparts, enjoy a beneficial rate when exchanging their pounds for Turkish Liras – more than doubling their money.

Turkey significantly attracted more interest as a holiday destination than Cyprus, Egypt, Morocco, Dubai and Malta.

Further afield, again Bodrum and Dalaman attracted more interest than New York and Las Vegas (USA), Bangkok (Thailand) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

Orlando however, polled 4^th position and is one the highest climbers compared to the same period last year, up 12 places. Travel Editor Sam Baldwin comments: “The rise in popularity of Orlando is primarily due to the new Harry Potter theme park opening in the spring. Other big movers include Johannesburg and Cape Town as the World Cup is just around the corner”. The top 3 positions remained unchanged.

Turkey emerged as a clearly favoured holiday destination for 2010 and is certainly continuing to build on its growing reputation as a cost effective alternative to traditional Spanish destinations.

Cumberland Properties can endorse these findings having already sold 2 properties at Woodland Regency in the first week of January 2010 and are currently experiencing a significant increase, over the same period last year, in enquiries for both property in Bodrum and rentals in Bodrum, having already secured a number of reservations for the ever popular Seaview Regency Prestige

Oh, and should you have the good fortune to be holidaying in Turkey during the world cup; fans of the beautiful game will be relieved to hear that their enthusiasm is shared by most Turks, so rest assured you won’t have to travel to far to find superb coverage of the event.

Source: Skyscanner

The crisis hit fundamental economic indicators like production, exports, investments and unemployment, leading to massive stimulus packages taken by nations looking to protect themselves from economic free-fall.

The speed at which governments enacted such measures was unprecedented, and possibly saved the global economy from falling into a further global slump rivalling the turbulent times of the 1920s.

The upturn in economic conditions in Turkey in the last quarter of the year has left many wondering whether the worst is over, and whether 2010 will make up for the losses in 2009.

Although Turkey’s Medium-Term Economic Program (MTEP) released by the government predicted a return to growth in 2010, some in the business world are calling this overly optimistic, while others are saying that the government should aim even higher.

Regardless of the exact numbers, the Turkish business world, having seen the recent rays of hope in the economy, is hopeful about the coming year.

For more information visit: www.sabahenglish.com

The name “Mausoleum”, describing the monument enclosing a burial chamber, actually originated from the original edifice in Bodrum. Its majestic, temple-like structure, decorated with reliefs and statuary on a massive base, stood resiliently for 1700 years until it was eventually devastated by earthquakes. Today, you can still visit the foundations and several pieces of sculpture that remain from the immense memorial.

Crusaders, arriving in Bodrum in the 15^th Century, transformed the remains of the Mausoleum into the remarkable Bodrum Castle. Still standing today, the stunning castle overlooks the harbour and the International Marina and visitors flock to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology that is accommodated in its grounds. As one of the finest examples of Crusader architecture in Eastern Europe, the stunning fortress hosts many cultural festivals throughout the year.

The Bodrum peninsula features a notably prevalent artistic and intellectual recent history, providing secondary residence to many artists, poets and singers. A variety of European expats have been attracted to the area due to its ideal climate, luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle and extremely high investment potential. As well as foreign investment, Turkish nationals are also eager to acquire holiday villas in the region and take part in the ever-popular leisure activities that Bodrum’s supreme location offers, including yachting, water sports and golf. The immense and heavenly coastline, with miles of beaches, bays and coves to discover, make every voyage peaceful and enjoyable.

Accessing the area is progressively easier since Bodrum boasts both an international and a domestic airport that receive daily flights from across Europe.