“The upgrade reflects our view of the Turkish government’s improving economic policy flexibility as a result of its strong track record in steadily reducing the debt burden over the past decade,” said Standard & Poor’s credit analyst Frank Gill.

“It also reflects our opinion of the success of Turkey’s regulatory institutions in preserving the solidity of the financial sector, despite external adversity. Standard & Poor’s believes Turkey’s banking system to be one of the strongest and least-leveraged in Eastern Europe.”

“The positive outlook on Turkey reflects the likelihood of an upgrade over the next 12-24 months if we considered that a deeper financial and capital markets stabilization and the country’s success in weathering the global turmoil allowed it to return to its prior rates of growth with less dependence on external funding,” said Gill.

This has been a sign of confidence in Turkey’s economic policies compared to countries such as Spain which have been kept on a negative outlook. In contrast to Spain, Turkey has maintained a careful fiscal policy and maintained stability during the financial crisis while creating incentives to boost the property markets. Spain’s near-bankrupt construction sector and increasing unemployment has not helped the property markets in Spain recover.

Turkey is has shown itself to be a confident and solid financial sector, in spite of external pressures. Turkey is well-positioned to benefit greatly in real estate investments in the future. Short housing supply and growing tourism as well as expected capital growth and increased rental yields are all signs which will keep Turkey in good shape.

Buying property in Turkey is proving to be a savvy investment opportunity, as the economy goes from strength to strength. Cheap property in Turkey will only be available in the short-term as bargains start to dry up. Homes sales in Turkey increased by almost 25% in 2009 and this figure is expected to increase furthermore in 2010. As the property markets continue to improve, prices will subsequently start rising. Investing in an off-plan project in Turkey can often provide greater returns then a yearly rental yield as some property developers guarantee price increases through the phases of construction often leading to on average 15% capital growth by the time a property is delivered key ready.

Boyner is a leading department store brand in Turkey, presenting thousands of products of famous local and international brands in its women, men and kidswear, shoes & accessories, young and active sports wear, cosmetics and home departments. The Company operates 55 stores in 20 provinces, including Istanbul, Ankara, Adana, Antalya, Bursa, Balikesir, Izmir, Trabzon, Tekirdag, Manisa, Kutahya, Mersin, Diyarbakir, Denizli, Konya, Kayseri, Eskisehir, Afyon, Corlu and Edirne.

The total number of homes in Turkey that were sold in 2009 was 532,000, compared to 427,000 in 2008, with an increase of 24.5 percent. Interest rate cuts and tax cut implementations were factors seen to have boosted property sales in Turkey.

The Turkish economy has been showing significant resiliance to the economic challenges with the global downturn. With a constant stream of foreign investors doubled with a domestic shortfaul in housing supply, Turkey’s real estate market is seeing prices growing far more dramatically than expected. Turkey became the first country in Central and Eastern Europe to introduce a sales index for real estate (REMI) in 2002. This national index for the real estate sector is considered to be a solid indicator of property investment activity and development in the country.

Factors that have been seen to postivitely affect the progress of the Turkish real estate market have included;
significant infrastructural improvement, boost in tourism, the low cost of living and the influx of foreign investment.

There has been a swathe of new and luxury residential developments and resorts on the southern coast in cities such as Antalya and the neighbouring resorts of Belek, Side, Alanya, Kemer, Kas, Kalkan and Fethiye.Antalya is considered one of the world’s most important tourism centers and is expected to increase its annual tourist numbers from 9 million to 15 million by 2013.

Most surprisingly, property in Turkey is still good value compared to other popular European countries. Although EU accession is a strong possibility the advantages of being outside of the Eurozone, has meant that Turkey can sustain a competitive advantage in the property markets. Yet smart investors have much to look forward too as those who bought 2 years ago have already seen the value of their property increase dramatically and it is predicted that prices will continue to rise into the future. According to National Statistic Institute of Turkey, the quarterly real estate prices growth rate is 12,5%, and yet, Antalya is the most expensive real estate market with 2,8% increase followed by the towns of Belek (23,7%), and Kemer (16,8%).

Rising tourism is also showing strong signals that letting a property in Turkey is likely to reap good returns. With 300 days of sunshine in regions like Antalya, the rental return is currently between 6-12%. The shortfall in housing supply and increased demand for properties to rent in Turkey is also fueling good returns from the domestic market on a longer term for those who choose not to rely on letting a holiday property in Turkey during peak seasons.

Combine all these factors and buying property in Turkey seems an attractive prospect. The prices of the properties in Turkey are still amongst the lowest in Europe and with greater value for the fantastic locations that are still available. It is predicted that property prices in Turkey will continue to rise around 10-15% per year.

Throughout the tourism industry, The Blue Flag is coveted as a stamp of approval for environmental cleanliness and safety. The program also awards “voluntary eco-label” to over 3,450 beaches and marinas in around 41 countries globally.

A series of strict criteria must be met by beaches and marinas if they wish to fly the flag and Turkey has been consistently top 5 in the world over the last few years, for its number of certified Blue Flag beaches.

Last year, however, France narrowly beat Turkey to third place with 288 Blue Flag beaches, compared to Turkey’s 286. Spain had 486 approved beaches in 2009, and Greece had 425.

With the longest coastlines stretching from the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, unsurprisingly Antalya and Muğla have received the most certifications in Turkey, with 156 in Antalya and 62 in Muğla.

The number of Blue Flags in 2010 awarded to Turkish beaches, marinas and yachts will be announced shortly after an international jury reviews the recommendations made by last weekend’s Turkish jury.

For property owners in Turkey this is great news as the beaches are a major deciding factor relating to where to buy property. Villas and apartments in Turkey built near Blue Flag beaches are always in demand and for investors offer greater rewards in rental incomes. Ardesco villas in bodrum built in Yalikavak are set by one of the most stunning coastlines of the Mugla province.

Some 311,995 tourists arrived into Antalya airport during January and February, representing an increase of 58,167 over the same period in 2009, said Antalya Culture and Tourism Director İbrahim Acar. Some 25,253 tourists entered through Antalya Airport’s international terminal on the weekend of Feb. 26 to 28, he said, adding that tourist arrivals totaled 171,976 for all of February.

The Culture and Tourism Ministry have been conducting extensive promotional activities for the forthcoming season. These efforts have already started to bear fruit and early indications show that 2010 will be a bumper year for tourism in Turkey with the good chance of breaking the 30 million mark for total incoming tourists.

There will be further promotional activities at the forthcoming travel fairs in Berlin, Moscow and Kiev.

In the face of sluggish demand from customers at its seven stores in Britain and Ireland, Harvey Nichols is now also looking to other emerging markets such as Turkey, Brazil and Russia.

Turkey is a market that is becoming more attractive day by day and the list of international brands that have entered into Turkey is expanding at a rapid rate.

Starbucks proved to be a marvelous success. Starbucks spread around Turkey in a very short time and the people of the country incredibly embraced this trademark. Debenhams, an important retail company of England, is another outstanding trademark brought to Turkey together with The Body Shop, Claires, Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Miss Selfridge, Peacocks, River Island, Topshop, Topman, Le Pain Quotidien and Next. The total number of shops of these 13 trademarks is around 200. Starbucks comprises 87 per cent of the activity of the group in Turkey in terms of volume.

IKEA
The Swedish furniture and house accessory shop IKEA become a phenomenon even before it arrived in Turkey due to what was written and told about it. The first IKEA shop that was curiously expected was introduced to customers in the year 2005. Following this first shop opened in İstanbul-Ümraniye, the second shop was opened in İzmir-Bornova. The third one has recently been opened in Bayrampaşa. IKEA has become the favorite trademark of the young consumers residing in cities that try to keep away from classical templates due to the changing life profile in Turkey.

Haagen-Dazs
Haagen-Dazs, the famous American ice cream trademark, opened its first concept café in Turkey in the capital, Ankara. The trademark, brought to Turkey by Nişfud Gıda in June 2006 continues to expand by opening new cafes in many shopping centers.

Ben&Jerry’s
The American ice cream trademark Ben&Jerry’s entered the Turkish market in coordination with Algida. The company that has shops in 22 countries and is going to serve with two shops in İstanbul in the beginning, aims to reach 1 million consumers in Turkey.

Cartier
Cartier, active in the filed of jewelry design and production, opened its first boutique in İstanbul in compliance with the new architectural style of the interior designer Bruno Moinard of Paris in the beginning of the year 2007. Cartier, established as a family company by Louis Francois Cartier in 1847, has over 220 boutiques all around the world.

Habitat
The English furniture and house decoration chain opened its first chop in Turkey in İstanbul in 2007. Habitat, opened in London in 1964, offers concept products different than the general style to customers under the motto “lifestyle retailer”.

Havaianas
Brazilian Havaianas that introduced flip flops to the world started its activities in Turkey in 2006. Havaianas, that is active in 65 different countries and sells 140 million items annually, entered chain retailers’ shelves in Turkey through its distributors and achieved to form a loyal group of customers in a very short time.

Intersport
Intersport, founded in 1968 Sweden is among the biggest sport retail chains of the world with it 5 thousand customers in 33 countries and its endorsement of 8 billion €. The group entered Turkey by signing a license agreement with Sporting Güngör A.Ş. and became the most important retail chain of Turkey in this segment by opening many shops in big cities.

Robert’s Coffee
After the introduction of Gloria Jean’s Coffees in Turkey, the coffee chain segment grew more with Starbucks. Many international coffee chains that do not want to leave the two giant trademarks alone also have rushed into Turkey in recent years. Robert’s Coffee, established in Finland in 1976, is among the most outstanding of these. The chain that entered Turkey in the year 2007 and opened 9 shops in one year expanded with an amazing acceleration and it announced that it is going to open 10 new shops.

Sephora
The French cosmetics retailer has 515 shops in 14 countries. Sephora which was brought by Unitim Holding, that attracted attention after it brought Harvey Nichols to Turkey, was established as a beauty shop chain in 1969. It was purchased by Louis Vuitton, luxury consumption goods giant, in 1997. Sephora opened two shops in Capacity and İstinyepark shopping center in İstanbul in Turkey which it entered in 2007.

The defending Austrian League champion has led a group of 40 to Belek, with players, coaches, club staff and a 20-person strong group of international journalists on board for its stay on the Mediterranean coast.

The Red Bulls will spend seven days in Belek and will play FC Lucerne on Saturday and Steaua Bucharest on Tuesday as part of its preparations. Both games will be played at the Calista Luxury Resort’s football fields.

Belek, is fast becoming a favorite winter camp retreat for many domestic and international football clubs for their winter training. The teams are attracted by the good weather conditions, reasonable hotel prices and less distraction.

In addition to many Turkish clubs and Red Bull Salzburg, Germany’s Bayern Leverkusen, Ukraine’s Metalist Kharkiv, Russia’s Spartak Moscow, Austria’s Rapid Wien, the Netherlands’ Feyenoord and other teams from around the world have been training in Belek.

The Turkish economy will grow to the 13th largest in the world in 2026, outpacing a number of major economies such as Italy and Canada, a recent study using International Monetary Fund (IMF) figures has predicted.

Turkey, which was ranked 17th in the globe for its gross domestic product, will step up and rank 16th this year with Turkeys share of global GDP expecting to increase to 1.35 percent this year.

Turkey, which is currently a first class emerging market, is expected to rise to 13th place in the 2026 world GDP ranking. Turkey is foreseen progress ahead of some strong countries such as Italy, Spain and Canada with a 1.45 percent share in 2026, according to the IMF.

As a candidate for EU membership, Turkey is one of the largest countries in Europe, with a dynamic and young population of 71 million.

Turkey’s economy is continuously growing, while per capita income (based on purchasing power parity) and gross national product (GNP) have reached $11,000 and $750 billion, respectively.

According to a report by Goldman Sachs, by 2024, Turkey’s per capita income will climb to $20,000-25,000 and Turkey’s per capita national income is expected to surpass $30,000 in 2033 and $40,000 in 2040, reaching the $60-65,000 level by 2050.

According to the data compiled by Goldman Sachs, including its world economic projection report, China is expected to become the world’s largest economy with a nominal GDP of $70 trillion in 2050. It is predicted that the United States, India, Brazil, Russia, Indonesia, Mexico, United Kingdom, and Turkey will follow China in that order.

1200 readers of Europe’s highest-circulation golf magazine “Golf Journal” voted for Belek which won the second place in the category for “Best Developing Golf Destination”. The Golf journal also presented “The Best Golf Resort Out Of Europe Award” to Gloria Golf Resort for the second time in a row. Golf Journal, is one of the most important and popular golf journals in Europe.

2009 was a year full of success for Belek. During Moscow International Tourism Fair between 18-21 March, Travel.ru travel agency chose Belek as the best, among holiday destinations for children.

Belek’s best hotels also gathered some accolades from many different organizations. Cornelia De Luxe and Cornelia Diamond received the World Travel Awards of 2009, while the Spice Hotel & Spa received from 500 thousand customers of Neckermann the Primo Award and became one of the 10 best hotels of the world. Ela Quality Resort came back from the 7’th Istanbul International Gastronomy Festival with eight awards.

Over the last few years Belek has become one of the most popular European beach destinations, notably in 2008, the International Golf Tour Operators Union awarded Belek as the “Best Golf Destination of the Year in Europe”. Xanadu Resort Hotel was chosen by world famous tour operator Thomas Cook as “Best Hotel of the World”.