Germany tops Turkey travel in 2025 as the leading source of foreign visitors, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. In the first four months of the year, 1,143,107 travelers from Germany arrived in Turkey (Türkiye), placing the country ahead of Russia and Iran.
Strong Visitor Growth in April
Türkiye welcomed 3,900,546 foreign visitors in April 2025, marking an 8.01% increase compared to the same month in 2024. The steady growth highlights Türkiye’s continued appeal as a diverse destination offering rich cultural experiences, warm weather, and historical sites. April’s surge also contributes to the year’s cumulative total of 10,590,009 foreign visitors and 2,154,075 citizens residing abroad, for a combined 12.7 million arrivals.
The number of German visitors in April alone reached 571,042—an impressive 31.32% increase year-over-year. The data positions Germany as not only the top market overall but also the fastest-growing among key inbound tourism countries.
Top Visitor Markets in 2025
After Germany, the Russian Federation ranked second with 977,152 visitors in the first four months. Iran closely followed with 946,472. These three markets together accounted for a significant portion of Türkiye’s inbound travel.
In April specifically, the Russian Federation sent 375,820 visitors, while the United Kingdom, which saw a 13.27% increase from the previous year, contributed 373,922 travelers—securing its place as the third-largest source market that month. Bulgaria and Iran completed the list of top five visitor countries for April.
CountryVisitors (Jan–Apr 2025)Visitors (April 2025)Year-over-Year Change (April)Germany1,143,107571,042+31.32%Russia977,152375,820N/AIran946,472Not specifiedN/AUnited KingdomNot specified373,922+13.27%BulgariaNot specifiedNot specifiedN/AEuropean Travelers Lead the Way
The data reflects a broader trend of European travelers returning to Türkiye in large numbers. Strong air connectivity, affordability, and Türkiye’s diverse tourism offerings—from coastal resorts to cultural hubs like Istanbul and Cappadocia—continue to drive demand.
The increase in UK and German visitors also aligns with Türkiye’s recent marketing efforts in Europe. Travel incentives, improved airport infrastructure, and expanded hotel offerings in destinations such as Antalya, Izmir, and Muğla have helped attract returning and new travelers alike.
Outlook for the Rest of the Year
With the summer high season approaching, tourism officials expect continued momentum. Türkiye’s combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and affordability places it in a strong position to further increase international arrivals throughout the rest of 2025.
As German travelers continue to top the charts, tourism operators are tailoring services to this key market with German-speaking staff, local cuisine options, and targeted packages—especially along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.
Türkiye’s upward trajectory in visitor numbers, especially from core European markets, underscores the country’s resilience and continued relevance in the global tourism landscape.