The decision of British charter airline operator Thomas Cook to start it’s summer flights into Bodrum (Turkey) from April 1^st, a month earlier than last year, seems to have given Altinkum’s tourist industry a timely boost.

Local hotels are reporting a 50% increase on bookings compared to last season, with apartment rental agencies experiencing an even larger increase.  Many of the apartments built over the last few years are now available for rental with an increasing number of British and Irish using their second homes not just for family holidays but also to provide an additional income or pension.

The tourist season now runs from the beginning of April until the end of November, with Turkish airline Onur air offering cheap flights all year round from Manchester and Gatwick into Bodrum.

“An increasing number of UK and Irish citizens are now buying property in the Altinkum/Akbuk area” said Mike Senior, the manager of The Right Move Abroad’s Turkish operation. “You can pick up some fantastic bargains, with large 1 bedroom apartments selling for under £20,000, and because capital appreciation is averaging almost 30% per annum, you can expect to double your money in less than 4 years, with the added incentive of good rental potential” he added.