Turkish Airlines new destinations in May 2013

Turkish Airlines, Europe's best airline according to Skytrax rating, has added its 223rd network destination in May 2013 with the addition of flights to Friedrichshafen, Germany. With existing services to 11 cities in Germany, Turkish Airlines expanded its network with the addition of Friedrichshafen as its 12th German destination. Flights from Istanbul to Friedrichshafen have started on May 2nd are operated 4 days a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The airline than added 5 more destinations to its network by flights to Isparta (Turkey), Santiago De Compostela (Spain), Valetta (Malta) and Salzburg (Austria) following the May 2nd addition of Friedrichshafen to its growing network.

Roundtrip flights between Istanbul and Isparta (Turkey) has started on May 20th and are operated 3 times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Isparta (Turkey) starting at 158 TL (including taxes and fees).

With existing services to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga and Bilbao, Turkish Airlines adds flights to Santiago De Compostela as its 6th destination in Spain. Beginning May 21st, Santiago De Compostela flights are operated 3 times per week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays in both directions. Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Santiago De Compostela starting at 99 Euros (including taxes and fees).

Turkish Airlines’ 226th destination in 100 country, Malta flights began in 25th May 2013. Roundtrip flights between Istanbul and Malta are operated 3 times per week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Malta starting from 99 Euros (including taxes and fees).

With existing services to Vienna, Turkish Airlines now adds flights to Salzburg as its 2nd destination in Austria. Beginning May 28th, roundtrip flights between Istanbul and Salzburg are operated 4 times per week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Salzburg starting at 99 Euros (including taxes and fees).

Turkish Airlines flights between Istanbul and Friedrichshafen flight times as planned by May 2nd;

Flight No	Days	Departure		Arrival
TK1385	Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday	IST	14:05	FDH	16:05
TK1386	Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday	FDH	16:55	IST	20:50

Turkish Airlines flights between Istanbul and Isparta flight times as planned by May 20th;

Flight No.	Days	Departure		Arrival
TK2860	Monday, Friday	Istanbul	13:25	Isparta	14:35
TK2860	Wednesday	Istanbul	10:55	Isparta	12:05
TK2861	Monday, Friday	Isparta	15:20	Istanbul	16:25
TK2861	Wednesday	Isparta	12:50	Istanbul	13:55

Turkish Airlines flights between Istanbul and Santiago De Compostela flight times as planned by May 21th;

Flight No.	Days	Departure		Arrival
TK1319	Tuesday, Friday, Sunday	Istanbul	09:00	Santiago De Compostela	12:45
TK1320	Tuesday, Friday, Sunday	Santiago De Compostela	13:50	Istanbul	19:15

Turkish Airlines flights between Istanbul and Malta flight times as planned by May 25th;

Flight No.	Days	Departure		Arrival
TK1369	Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday	Istanbul	12:35	Malta	14:20
TK1370	Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday	Malta	15:15	Istanbul	18:35

Turkish Airlines flights between Istanbul and Salzburg flight times as planned by May 28th;

Flight No.	Days	Departure		Arrival
TK1381	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday	Istanbul	12:15	Salzburg	13:45
TK1382	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday	Salzburg	14:45	Istanbul	18:05

Flights from Kiev to Istanbul by Ukraine Airlines

Ukraine Airlines launches reciprocal flights between Kiev and Istanbul twice a day for 7 days a week and as from May 14th, 2013 these reciprocal flights will take place 4 times a day. Launching flights to more than 40 cities worldwide, Ukraine Airlines adds Istanbul to its flight web as from April 22nd and aims to meet the high demands for flights to Istanbul.

On April 22nd, 135 passengers of Ukraine Airlines coming from Kiev were welcomed with a ceremony. Ukraine Consul General for Istanbul Bohdan Yaramenko, TAV Istanbul General Manager Kemal Unlu and Ukraine Airlines Vice President for Commercial and International Relations Simon Bundle attended the ceremony. Passengers were treated to a cake for celebration.

New direct scheduled flights en route Kiev (Boryspil International airport) – Istanbul (Ataturk International airport – Kiev (Boryspil International airport) will be operated twice daily.

Launching direct scheduled service between the capital of Ukraine and Istanbul, we aim at meeting the growing demand of Ukrainian travelers for Turkish destinations, – noted Evgeniya Satska, UIA Corporate Press Secretary . – We are very pleased to provide our passengers with an opportunity to visit Istanbul – cultural and geopolitical center of the Middle East, to discover Eastern culture, to relax on the shores of the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, and to get unforgettable impressions of this majestic city.

Ukraine Airlines direct flight schedule between Kiev and Istanbul

Flight	Destination	Days	Departure*	Arrival*
PS711	Kiev – Istanbul	1234567	06:40	08:40
PS712	Istanbul – Kiev	1234567	09:35	11:30
PS715	Kiev – Istanbul	1234567	19:30	21:30
PS716	Istanbul – Kiev	1234567	05:55	07:55

Turkey Property Purchasers to be Granted One Year Residence Permits

Extended residence permits for owners of property in Turkey are being introduced by the Turkish government in a move to attract further foreign direct investment.

“This is a welcome and logical move by the Turkish government,” says Suleyman Akbay, MD of the property firm who exclusively specialise in property sales along its popular Aegean and Mediterranean coastline and now Istanbul.

“Spurred by the encouraging effects of the reciprocity law removal which has since seen foreigners purchase some 11,000 properties in Turkey (Source: Turkish Environment and Planning Ministry), and which produced an astounding fourfold increase in acquisitions in the immediate month following enactment, the government is rightly acknowledging that the laws and procedures concerning residency in Turkey are a significant hurdle for foreigners considering investing here”, adds Akbay.

Turkish Law already permits citizens of many countries to obtain a residence permit, but the new ruling recognises ‘property ownership’ as a means for qualifying for longer periods of stay. Formerly, property buyers were subject to tourist visa limitations where they could only stay for three months out of every 180 days before having to apply separately for residency.

The latest ruling adds to a string of favourable law changes being introduced to ease barriers to investment in the country. Last year’s relaxation of restrictions on the amount of land a foreigner could buy and the removal of reciprocity conditions, which had stipulated only citizens or firms of countries in which Turkish nationals could buy property could do likewise in Turkey, has proved the most significant for Turkey's property industry.

“Noting the increasingly prominent march of the Turkish economy which is already conspiring to attract significant foreign investment, we’re confident that this latest announcement will add yet more spring to our overseas investors’ steps – and that’s before we note the fantastic climate, favourable rental opportunities and low cost home ownership options”, concludes Akbay.

The new property residency law is expected to come into force in early 2014.

Oceanwide Properties is currently offering a selection of luxury two, three and four bed frontline sea view villas in Kalkan with an exclusive limited time pre-completion purchase offer and £99 inspection visit, valid until 30 June 2013. The development is located within 90 minutes of Dalaman International Airport and is due to complete in 2014. 

Buy To Let In Istanbul Among World’s Best For Financial Returns Say Colordarcy

The Telegraph included Istanbul in its article 'The world's top 20 cities to buy-to-let property' this month.
Loxley McKenzie, Managing Director of Colordarcy comments, “It comes as no surprise that the Istanbul property market is attracting the attention of the national press. Colordarcy analysts have been highlighting its potential for the past 12 months.

Rents may well be static or growing modestly in the UK, for example, with RICS forecasting just 2% growth this year. In Istanbul, however, it has been a totally different story. We have seen rents rise by more than 15% in Istanbul and prices rise by nearly 20% in the year to January.”
Colordarcy analysts point out that income from rent is likely to be much higher in Turkey as the incomes of the local population rise and demand for property in Istanbul increases. Foreign investors are also arriving in increasing numbers, which only serves to increase competition for available property.

The case for turning attention away from the UK and other European countries towards Istanbul property has never been stronger according to Colordarcy. McKenzie added, “Finding good rental income is what property investment is all about. Capital growth is just the icing on the cake.”

According to Colordarcy analysts, a property market will have either rising rents or rising prices. Only rarely do both happen together. Yet this happened in Istanbul and several other cities in Turkey in the year to January 2013 according to residential property statistics release by Readin.

Residential rents for existing homes in Istanbul increased by 15.24% while prices for existing homes increased by 19.47% in the same period.

All the indications are that Turkey’s property market has yet to peak and the secret sauce that makes every property market tick is adding more spice to Istanbul’s potential as one of the world’s best buy to let property markets.

The availability of finance and the ability to take on loans to buy property is crucial to the long term stability of any property market. As mortgages have been harder to come by in most European countries, Turkey’s mortgage market has expanded rapidly. This has been helped along by tumbling interest rates that have fallen from more than 20% in 2009 to less than 10%. As a result, borrowing far more affordable for those who aspire to own their own homes in Turkey.

The amount of housing loans has increased by a factor of six, from TRY12.4 billion in 2005 to TRY86 billion in 2012 (Source: Global Property Guide).

What makes all this possible is a well-managed economy according to Colordarcy. All the main economic indicators for Turkey have turned green – GDP is predicted to be hitting 4% this year while unemployment continues to fall (Source: Turkstat).

Colordarcy is a leading property investment company that specialises in finding positive cash flow investment properties worldwide. Colordarcy investment property portfolio includes some of the best properties for sale in Brazil, Florida, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

Direct Flights Between Houston and Istanbul by Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines is expanding its presence in the United States as it launches of its newest gateway in Houston, Texas. Houston becomes the fifth U.S. gateway, joining Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C. The airline will offer non-stop flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport (IST).

"We're delighted that Turkish Airlines can now serve the Houston community and better connect them with our services to 220 destinations globally via Istanbul," says Hamdi Topcu, Turkish Airlines' Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Executive Committee. "Houston is a key point in the international aviation. We believe that these new flights will make international travel easier and more convenient for both business and leisure travelers in the area."

Members of the media, along with Hamdi Topcu, Turkish Minister of Economy Zafer Caglayan, Houston Mayor Annise Parker, the Consul General of Turkey in Houston Cemalettin Aydin, President of the Investment Support and Promotion Agency of Turkey (ISPAT), Ilker Ayci, and Houston Airport System Director of Aviation Mario Diaz, attended the launch event at Terminal D at George Bush Intercontinental Airport before Turkish Airlines' inaugural flight. The event featured authentic Turkish cuisine, live entertainment, a ribbon cutting ceremony and speaker remarks by top officials from local government, the Turkish government, Turkish Airlines, and the Houston Airport System.

"The direct flights to Istanbul will strengthen trade, investment and tourism ties for Houston in Turkey," said Mayor Annise Parker. "I will lead a trade mission later this month to Istanbul to capitalize on the new air service and develop more economic relationships that will build a stronger bond between our global markets."

For the first time ever, Houstonites will be able to experience firsthand Turkish Airlines' unparalleled service, award-winning gourmet cuisine and amenities on the Boeing-777 aircraft en route to Istanbul. Houston service of Turkish Airlines will start with four frequencies per week: Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Beginning from July 3, 2013, the weekly frequencies of the mentioned flights will increase to six : Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

"This new route positions Texas with a new strategic advantage for international commerce since more than 300 Houston companies have business or trade ties with Turkey," said Mario C. Diaz, Director of the Houston Airport System. "In addition, Turkish Airlines offers outstanding connections from Istanbul, where a connecting passenger will have only three hours flying time to 50 different countries."

Houston and Istanbul by Turkish Airlines will be served by Boeing 777 aircraft.

Thirty-nine million passengers flew with Turkish Airlines in 2012 and that number is expected to grow by nine million this year, resulting in a 20% increase compared to 2011. With Houston being the fourth largest city in the United States in terms of population and home to thousands of Turkish residents it was a natural choice for the airlines' next gateway. Houston is comprised of many different ethnic communities, many whom travel frequently to their homelands. Trade missions between Texas and Turkey have dramatically increased over the past few years and with the introduction of Turkish Airlines in the Houston market, investment opportunities will multiply.

Introductory fares from Houston to Istanbul start at $599. 

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts to Debut in Istanbul, Turkey

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts today announced a new development in Istanbul, Turkey, scheduled to open in 2016. The 210-room hotel will be joined by branded residences and is part of the Quasar Istanbul complex, a new mixed-use development in the Sisli district, a vibrant neighborhood blending commercial, residential and retail yet situated close to major attractions in the city. The project is being developed through a joint venture between Viatrans - Meydanbey. Viatrans is a Geneva-based company specializing in shipping logistics and insurance as well as commercial real estate.

The Quasar Istanbul complex is in the central business district whose showpiece is the former Mecidiyeköy Liqueur and Cognac Factory. Built in the 1930's on then undeveloped land, the factory was designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens, who with Le Corbusier was among the most influential modern French architects of that era.

Two 41-story towers will sit above a 4-story office podium with fitness facilities and luxury retail stores. The towers will house a Fairmont Hotel and Fairmont Residences as well as Quasar Residences and offices which will be managed by Fairmont. The hotel will feature Fairmont Gold, the brand's hotel within a hotel lifestyle offering, a number of lounges and several restaurants, 2,000 square meters of function space, and a Willow Stream Spa.

The two residences are whole-ownership, private homes and will offer studios, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments and 3-bedroom duplexes. While in residence, owners will have access to a private lounge and a number of services and amenities such as 24-hour concierge, wine cellar, preferred pricing for various hotel offerings including dining, spa and fitness, meeting facilities, hotel guestrooms and more. Owners will also be awarded VIP status and privileges when they travel to any Fairmont hotels or resorts worldwide.

The former distillery, located adjacent to the hotel will undergo a thoughtful restoration echoing the Modern style of its French designer to become a culture, fashion and arts center for special events and exhibits. A verdant urban open space is also planned for the development of a city park and recreation area.

Photo - Emlak Guncel

"Istanbul is an exciting, dynamic city that will appeal to our business and leisure guests," said Jennifer Fox, President, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. "As well as complementing our other developments in the region, it is very exciting to be partnering with Viatrans on this amazing project blending hotel, residential and community space."

Turkey's largest city straddles the Bosphorus one of the world's busiest waterways, and is the country's economic, cultural, and historical heart. Istanbul served as the capital of three distinct empires, including Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, and is located at the edge of Europe and Asia, with one-third of its population living in Asia and its commercial and historical center in Europe. Today it is a thriving tourist and business destination rich with history and natural beauty, home to 13.5 million people in the second-largest metropolitan area in Europe.

Fairmont Quasar, Istanbul is the most recent project to be announced by the brand in the region and joins Fairmont Kyiv, Ukraine; Fairmont Baku, Azerbaijan (2013) and Fairmont Pekin, Moscow (2016).

Dental Tours in Turkey: All-in-One Treatment Services

In many European countries dental treatment is very expensive, they are not covered by insurance and the waiting lists are long. There is a relatively simple solution for these problems: dental tourism abroad. For Europeans, Turkey is increasingly one of the hotspots for dental tourism thanks to its proximity, cost and quality in the field: Same dental treatment with the same medical standards for 75% less, without waiting for weeks or months. Plus, Turkey follows European Community Health Standards. Back in 2009, 150,000+ medical tourists chose Turkey.

To tab into the demand, DentalToursTurkey.com has been launched to provide all-in-one dental treatment packages. “We have all-in-one packages that includes not only the dental treatment but also flight tickets, airport-hotel-clinic transfers, hotel reservations, and city tours & attractions. We are able offer our packages with all these services at very low rates because we can get the best price of the service providers as their regular customer,” said Deniz Candan, Operations Manager at Dental Tours Turkey.

"We have already organized more than 1300 treatment packages (including more than 3000 dental implants) since our establishment in January 2007. A personal guide of our agency accompanies our patients throughout their stay. We constantly improve our services based on the feedback we receive from our patients,” added Ms Candan.

Turkey is one of the hotspots in dental tourism for Europeans. Europeans can get the same dental treatment
 with the same medical standards for 75% less; plus can have a great vacation in Istanbul.

It looks like DentalToursTurkey.com can enable medical tourists to have a high quality dental care at affordable costs and spend good time in the historic city of Istanbul and people can get dental treatment even during a weekend trip. Because Istanbul is max 3.5 hours away from European destinations.

Source : Dental Tours Turkey Launches All-in-One Treatment Services in Turkey