Logistical Factors
Turkey now sits firmly on the tourist map, with its main international airports located at Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya. Flight time of approximately 3½ hours from the UK and a time difference of only two hours make Turkey a close and easy destination to reach, while visitors enjoy an exotic culture quite removed from life back home.
During summer, flights go to Bodrum direct from most UK airports, making it a highly popular holiday option. Turkish Airlines and British Airways also fly direct to Istanbul and Izmir all year round. During peak season (May to October) cheap charter flights can be snapped up from operators such as Thomas Cook, First Choice and My Travel, flying into coastal holiday resort airports such as Dalaman, Antalaya and Bodrum.
Turkish Airlines also provides a large network of domestic flights from the international airports of Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Trabzon, Dalaman and Antalya to all of the major Turkish cities. Excellent bus connections serve all airports and city terminals. Major airports in Turkey include: Istanbul (Atatürk and Sabiha Gökcen), Ankara (Esenboga), Izmir (Adnan Menderes), Adana, Trabzon, Van Erzurum, Bursa, Samsun, Antalya, Dalaman and Milas-Bodrum.
Turkey can also be accessed via any of its 15 major state-owned ports on the Mediterranean and Black Seas running along its 8,430 km of coastline. These giants are to be found at Samsun, Haydarpasa (Istanbul), Izmir, Izmit, Trabzon, Mersin, and Iskenderun, all of which run extensive passenger ferry services.
The quality of Turkey's infrastructures has its strengths and weaknesses and the Turks have some way to go to reach EU standards in terms of some social infrastructure, and reform measures are underway in order to bring these up to expected levels. Roads are a high priority in Turkey and they are well constructed in accordance with Asian and Middle Eastern international road standards. Unlike in many emerging markets, Turkey has a very adequate road infrastructure in place and at the ready to cope with the rapid growth is it set to undergo.
Roads are well complemented by a wide network of the Turkish State Railways, extending some 8,697 km, and connecting most major cities. Turkish trains are very comfortable and new with couchettes, restaurants, and lounge cars offering first and second class services to modern European standards. |
General Factors |
