*INVESTATE 08 meeting held in the Bodrum Princess Hotel over the past weekend was most likely the best organized event of its kind ever held in Bodrum. The speakers and the participants were uniformly constructive in the overall approach to investment in real estate and showed an understanding of the importance of the environment. Among the most poignant was the address by Richard England, an architect of renown from Malta, who pleaded for a departure from mass tourism which, in his view, has brought desecration to the Maltese landscape. The fact that a discerning tourist does not want to visit a clone of his own home but prefers immersion in the native cultural (and architectural) environment ought to be our guide, according to Mr. England, a view shared by other speakers. Also important: Mr. Van Dooyeeweert, the representative of Redevco, a Dutch real estate investment firm with a substantial Turkish portfolio, brought an air of solid optimism to real estate investment in Turkey saying: “we have faith in Turkey looking at 20, 30 or 50 years on, we are long term investors.” **Bodrum has really become a major meeting place: The World Wildlife Fund meeting held at the Bodrum Kempinski Barbaros Bay Hotel was addressed by Turkish President Mr. Abdullah Gül who reiterated Turkey’s commitment to the stipulations of the Kyoto agreement provided these are not detrimental to the development and growth of the country. The meeting’s topic of the effects of global climate change is deemed critical for the survival of many species, impinging even on the future of mankind. An adjunct to this event is a photographic exhibition by Süha Derbent – for more detailed information see http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=104915
***The Bodrum Private Hospital (BPH) celebrated the 10th anniversary of opening its portals to Bodrum patients, the first private medical establishment in Bodrum to compete with the medical facilities offered by the state. From 20 beds the BPH has progressed to 40, and is aiming at 60 beds by 2010. The award of ISO 9001:2000 certificate to BPH was marked by a lavish fireworks display. It’s good that you’re there, BPH!
****Sea voyages to Greek islands (and to Istanbul) bring an added attraction to Bodrum – use it!
