Türkiye sets tourism record with $65.2B revenue in 2025

Türkiye's tourism sector reached unprecedented heights in 2025, attracting 64 million international visitors and earning a record $65.2 billion in revenue. According to sector representative Erkan Yağcı, these figures represent a 3% increase in arrivals and a 7% rise in revenue from the previous year, solidifying the country's position as the world's fourth-most visited destination.

Resilience Amid Regional Challenges

Yağcı, head of the Turkish tourism non-profit Turofed, highlighted the industry's resilience despite significant geopolitical tensions in the surrounding region. "The Turkish tourism sector is a crisis-resistant business," he stated, expressing optimism that 2026 will see results slightly above the 2025 records. The achievement underscores the sector's strategic importance to the national economy.

Strategy for Year-Round and Event Tourism

A key strategic focus is extending the tourism season beyond the summer months and dispersing visitors across the country. Efforts are intensifying in niche areas like sports, conference, and winter tourism. The Mediterranean resort city of Antalya, ranked among the world's top ten tourist cities, is central to this strategy, hosting major events including the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, the International Astronautical Congress, and the UN's COP31 climate conference in 2026.

Future Outlook and Global Standing

The sector's goal is to maintain growth by leveraging Türkiye's diverse cultural, historical, and geographical offerings. The hosting of high-profile international events is seen as a catalyst for attracting visitors during off-peak seasons and enhancing the country's profile as a global hub for diplomacy and business. This approach aims to ensure sustainable growth and further cement Türkiye's status as a leading tourism powerhouse.