Turkey's tourism shoots for the stars with $120 billion goal

Turkey may host 104 million tourists and earn $119 billion as of 2033, according to a new report.

The report -- prepared by the Turkish Tourism Investors Association (TTYD) and the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TUSIAD) -- included scenarios of tourism diversification and increasing tourism revenue per person.

Oya Narin, the head of TTYD, said tourism has the potential to be a driving force for the country's development.

Turkey's tourism revenue can reach $119 billion and the unemployment rate would drop to 7.6%, Narin said, adding the additional tourism revenue can raise the country’s GDP by 1.6 percentage points by 2033.

Simone Kaslowski, the chairman of the TUSIAD, said tourism plays a critical role in reducing foreign trade deficit.

"Our natural and cultural richness, and geographical position create so significant opportunities," he underlined.

Turkey hosted 42.9 million tourists in January-November 2019 period and 39.5 million in 2018.

*Writing and contributions by Gokhan Ergocun