Turkey 'may benefit from the economic crisis'

Thursday February 12th , 2009

Turkey's tourism sector may benefit from the current economic crisis, according to one expert.

Paul Schwaiger, managing director of SunExpress, the joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, told the Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review that the nation's quality offerings and value for money will attract holidaymakers, which could be good news for people with property in Turkey.

"When income levels in Germany, for example, come down due to the crisis, consumers will start looking more at the cost of a holiday and will choose Turkey. With good prices and value for money, Turkey may gain from this crisis" he said.

Mr Schwaiger's comments come as it is revealed SunExpress aims to fly 5.3 million passengers and reach a turnover of 465 million euros in 2009.

Earlier this month, Turkey's tourist board stated that the nation will have a strong year in 2009, helped by a number of cultural events which will draw in holidaymakers.

It cited the Izmir and Istanbul film festivals in April and Sunsplash in Antalya as examples.
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