UK envoy says British visitors to Türkiye near 4.5 million despite tensions

The number of British tourists visiting Türkiye has seen a steady increase despite global and regional tensions, reaching nearly 4.5 million annually, according to UK Ambassador to Ankara Jill Morris.

Tourism numbers continue to rise

In an exclusive interview with Anadolu in Antalya, where she concluded a weeklong tour of Türkiye’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, Morris said: “When I arrived in 2023 there were 3.8 million British visitors (annually) and we now have almost 4½ million British visitors coming to Türkiye, and I'm sure that those numbers will continue to grow.” She noted that Türkiye is a popular destination not only for its beaches but also for its rich culture, archaeological sites, and cuisine. British visitors remain the third-largest group of tourists to Türkiye by nationality.

Strategic partnership and defense cooperation

Morris highlighted the recent signing of a new bilateral strategic partnership framework during Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s visit to London, laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration. She noted that the UK and Türkiye are already working together in the Balkans and are looking to expand into Africa and other regions. On defense, she said cooperation continues to grow, with opportunities to strengthen NATO’s overall defense capability. She also confirmed that negotiations for a modernized free trade agreement are continuing, with another round expected soon in Ankara.

NATO summit and post-Assad Syria

Morris emphasized the importance of Türkiye hosting the NATO leaders’ summit in Ankara this July, saying the UK looks forward to working closely with Turkish colleagues in the run-up to the event. She also noted that the UK is working closely with Türkiye and the new Syrian government to support a secure, united, and prosperous Syria in the post-Assad era. Reflecting on her three-year term ending soon, Morris said serving in Türkiye had been a “tremendous honor and privilege.”