Integrated golf resort developments in Turkey have the second strongest mid to long-term growth potential of all countries in the European Mediterranean region, according to the report ‘Golf Resorts in the European Mediterranean Region’, published by the Golf Advisory Practice of accountancy firm KPMG. While Spain, Portugal, Italy and France have higher levels of supply, Turkey has led the way within emerging markets and now accounts for seven per cent of the pan-regional supply, with the fifth highest number of coastal integrated golf resorts in the region.
“The vast majority of these golf resorts in Turkey feature hotels only,” said Julian Walker, director at Spot Blue International Property. “Most privately owned golf property is not actually on the fairway but in residential developments near to one or more golf courses. But, as the report states, Turkey is capitalizing on strong tourism demand, aided by competitive pricing, so further growth and new resort projects can be expected in the future. This will reinforce the diversity of the Turkish real estate market.”
The KPMG report revealed that across the European Mediterranean region, golf resorts that offer accommodation in rented villas or apartments, often alongside a hotel, now account for more than 15 per cent of the market and continue to grow in numbers.
In a bid to grow its share of global golf tourism, Turkey’s Western Mediterranean Development Agency (BAKA) and Turkish Airlines this year launched a scheme to attract more French golfers to the Antalya region, home to the country’s golfing hub, Belek. It is hoped that many of the million-plus golfers in France, some of whom travel to Morocco and Tunisia to play, will consider Turkey as an exciting new destination.
“The knock-on effect of more golfers, whichever nationality, is a good thing for the local property market,” said Mr Walker. “Belek’s reputation as an international golf hub is snowballing, and more visitors mean more demand for accommodation, which increases demand for lettable property.”
Antalya will be under the spotlight later in the year when the Turkish Airlines Open, part of the European Tour, is played at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal course in Belek at the end of October.
“And we could see one or two world leaders teeing off in Belek come mid-November,” added Mr Walker.“It is then that the annual G20 summit will be held in Antalya, putting the province and all it has to offer in the global spotlight. An estimated 13,000 people are expected to attend the event.”
