Türkiye tourism revenue nears $10bn with steady growth

Türkiye’s tourism revenue rose to nearly $9.9 billion in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a 4.2% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute. The figures highlight the continued strength of the country’s tourism industry as it enters the new year.

Revenue breakdown and visitor spending

Out of the total income recorded between January and March, approximately $9.69 billion was generated directly from visitors, while transit passengers contributed an additional $201.9 million. A notable share of this revenue—over one quarter—came from Turkish citizens living abroad, reinforcing their importance to Türkiye’s tourism economy. Individual travel spending dominated the revenue structure, accounting for $8.47 billion, whereas package tours contributed $1.22 billion.

Visitor numbers and per capita expenditure

The number of people departing Türkiye during the quarter reached 9.26 million, marking a 1.5% annual increase. Among them, Turkish nationals residing abroad represented a significant portion, totaling 2.38 million. On average, international visitors spent $102 per night, while citizens living abroad recorded a lower nightly average of $72, indicating varied spending habits across visitor groups.

Key sectors driving tourism income

Food and beverage services led all categories, making up 27% of total tourism revenue. This was followed by international transportation at 15.8% and accommodation at 13%. Year-on-year comparisons show strong gains in several sectors, with accommodation spending rising by 21.2%, health-related tourism increasing by 18.4%, and food and beverage expenditures climbing 13.7%, reflecting diversified demand across the industry.

Travel purposes and outbound tourism trends

Leisure-related activities—including travel, entertainment, sports, and cultural experiences—remained the primary reason for visiting Türkiye, accounting for more than half of all trips. Visiting friends and relatives ranked second, while shopping represented a smaller share. Meanwhile, outbound travel by Turkish citizens increased sharply, with nearly 2.94 million people traveling abroad in the same period, up 13.1% from a year earlier. Their average expenditure reached $758 per person, signaling rising international mobility.