Property investors with real estate in Turkey will be pleased by news that tourist visits to the country jumped last year, with more holidaymakers looking for cheap destinations.

According to CompaniesAndMakekets.com, during 2009 there was an 11 per cent year-on-year growth in the fourth quarter in visitor arrivals to the country, something that should interest buy-to-let investors.

Over the course of the year, visitor numbers were up 3.7 per cent – with Istanbul performing strongly and recording a 6.5 per cent annual increase.

Steven Worboys, managing director of agent Experience International, said that investors were able to capitalise on the “attractive” buy-to-let investment model.

“Economic prosperity and improvements in internal infrastructure have enabled more Turkish nationals to holiday within their country, not only visiting coastal resorts but also Istanbul,” he added.

A number of low-cost airlines have announced that they plan to increase the number of flights currently on offer to the increasingly popular destination, with Pegasus Airlines, Easyjet and Monarch all offering additional services.