Minister for Tourism says the future is Spa....

Atilla Koc, Turkey's Minister for Culture and Tourism, has identified Thermal Tourism as a key part of the strategy to increase Turkey's tourist appeal. Turkey has the 7th highest number of thermal resources of any country in the world but currently only 1% of visitors per year come to indulge.

Extensive investment is taking place to make the most of this rich and desirable resource, with million-dollar spa hotel projects planned or underway in locations all over Turkey, and promotion of health tourism worldwide.

As Koc points out, spa tourism is a year-round business, and also diversifies from Turkey's image of sun, sea and sand. [source: Oxford Business Group]

Of course Turkey has long recognised the benefits of spa therapy, whether al fresco in the mud baths of Dalyan or under cover in any Turkish Hamam in the country.

Turkey's goal for 2010 is to increase tourism, expand its diversity and improve profits and employment from tourism. and our very own Didim is one of the targetted tourism hotspots. For more information, check out the 2010 Tourism Vision for Turkey on the Ministry of Culture and Tourism website.

Why are so many Britons moving to Didim?

According to a report by the Institute for Public Policy Research published in December 2006, an astounding 38,000 Britons now live in Turkey for at least part of each year and 34,000 full time.

Britons are coming to Turkey seeking a better way of life whether that be a sunnier climate, cheaper cost of living, healthier lifestyle, friendly neighbours or just to get their foot on the property ladder - and everyone is talking about it. UK broadsheet newspaper The Guardian features an interview with the mayor of Didim, where nearly 10,000 homes have been sold to British buyers in the last few years. Didim has been exceptionally responsive to the needs of its growing expat community, providing utilities bills in English, an English helpdesk at the council offices, and council-organised Turkish lessons to help new residents settle in.

The BBC also has something to say about the appeal of Didim to British visitors - including those with special requirements. In Turkish Delights, her article about her experience on holiday in Altinkum, Penny Batchelor finds that while Turkey's disability provisions may not be up to scratch (steep stairs and busy buses are two of the day-to-day challenges she faced), Didim at least has its heart in the right place. And now in addition to the people who couldn't do enough to help Penny, and the kerbside ramps being put in by the council, property developers are picking up on the need to offer easy access homes. For information on fanastic new developments offering step-free homes in the sun, contact us!