DİDİM - So far, Belek has been the main center for Turkey's golf tourism, but in a couple of years, it can be challenged by another popular holiday district.

The Culture and Tourism Ministry has allocated 71 hectares for a 420 room hotel and golf course in Didim. The Istanbul-based company Atlas Tourism Investment, which will build the hotel and course, has acquired a 49 year lease on the land.

Didim was announced a tourism destination by the ministry in 2003, in order to be built-up with golf courses, hotels and marinas. As a part of the project, the construction of the marina began in 2007, and will be opened this May.

Winning the bid
The investment company?s representative, Turgay Kınacı, said they would begin construction next year and completion was expected in 2012. Three companies were involved in the bid for the lease of the area. The sum of the winning bid by Atlas was not disclosed.

Kınacı pointed out the ministry was planning to assign seven areas for golf tourism in Didim.

Didim and Milas will be a golf valley to attract rich tourists," said Kınacı, adding that golf will be huge asset in the areas economy. "Tourists coming for golf spend three times more than regular tourists. Plus, there is no one season for golf; it is possible to play golf in winter or summer."

Kınacı added the importance of golf for the environment. "With golf tourism, green areas will be protected, furthermore, the green spaces will be extended," he said.