08 April 2021
Erdogan determined to cut rates, build controversial canal President Erdogan has vowed to slash interest rates and plough ahead with the controversial Canal Istanbul project, a multi-billion dollar venture that will see part of Istanbul bisected to make way for an alternative route to the Bosphorus Strait. Always a proponent of low interest rates, Erdogan has stated his intention to cut the benchmark 19%.31 March 2021
Along with Asia and Africa, Istanbul is eyeing downunder destinations For Istanbul Airport, Australia is the last frontier: the last continent to which the transport hub needs to connect. And that's certainly a possibility in the future, says the airport's chief executive officer. Other destinations on the list also include Asia and Africa, tapping into huge markets that can travel to Turkey or use the airport as a jumping off point to Europe.30 March 2021
More foreigners are choosing to move to Antalya The bustling city of Antalya in Turkey’s Mediterranean usually plays host to almost 15 million visitors per year. Antalya is amongst the favoured destinations for foreigners and expats in Turkey who have decided to move and take up residence in the country over the past few years.30 March 2021
Turkey donates and exports 5,000 Ventilators The Industry and Technology Minister of Turkey, Mustafa Varank recently announced that Turkey has donated or exported at least 5,000 locally manufactured medical ventilators during the coronavirus pandemic to various locations worldwide in an effort to help other countries that are struggling with the virus.30 March 2021
Tourism in Turkey set to boom in 2021 The Chairperson, Firuz Baglikaya, of the TURSAB (Turkish Travel Agencies Association) recently confirmed that whilst tourist demands from European countries fell last year during the coronavirus pandemic, UK visitors continued to travel. If the pandemic continues in the same vein, large number of holidaymakers from the UK are expected this year too.23 March 2021
Two new Subway Lines to open in Istanbul The Transport and Infrastructure Minister recently announced that Istanbul is getting two new subway lines, which will total 8 miles (12.9km). Adil Karaismailoglu explained that the first of the lines will be located on the city’s Asian side in the Uskudar district and is set to span between the neighbourhoods of Altunizade and Camlica.23 March 2021
Galataport project set to be operational in April President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that the Galataport project in Istanbul will be operational by April. During the launch of a cinema museum and refurbishment of a historical theatre, the president said: “Galataport is a worldwide project with the potential of drawing 25 million visitors, 7 million tourists and 1.5 million cruise passengers.”23 March 2021
Automotive sales in February increase by 24.2% Sales in Turkey’s automotive industry increased by 24.2% in February when compared to the same time last year according to a recent industry group report. In the report, the Automotive Distributor’s Association (ODD) said that in Turkey, commercial vehicles and passenger cars sales had surpassed 58,500 in February.17 March 2021
With no need for a vaccination, British tourists queue for Turkish summer holidays An announcement that British tourists won't need vaccination certificates to travel to Turkey has prompted a wave in bookings as Brits planned summer holidays to favourites like Antalya, Bodrum and Fethiye. Culture and tourism minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said Turkey was looking forward to welcoming British tourists "with open arms".11 March 2021
Turks eye housing market via interest-free scheme An Islamic-based lending system has been tightened up to allow Turks -- especially young, first-time buyers -- a way to bypass the eye-watering interest rates and find a way into the domestic housing market. Property Turkey director Cameron Deggin says the scheme will boost the market -- and add competition for international investors.02 March 2021
2021 tourism in Turkey helped by top COVID-19 measures According to the former secretary-general of the UNWTO, it will be quickly possible for tourism in Turkey to get back to pre-pandemic visitor numbers provided the country keeps measuring and proving to tourists that it is a safe place to visit.01 March 2021
Ukrainian tourists continue to choose Turkey Due to the healthy holiday opportunities and standards of cleanliness, Turkey was the number one choice in 2020 for Ukrainian tourists during the coronavirus pandemic. This was confirmed by a report from the Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers Association (AKTOB).