Türkiye’s Tourism Sector Sees Strong Growth with Revenue Increase, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on
January 30, 2026

The tourism sector in Türkiye registered remarkable growth during 2025, given that the country raked in a total of $65.23 billion in revenue. This represents an increase of 6.8% when compared to the previous year. The growth in revenue represents an increase in both the number of people and their spending. The rise in revenues has been beyond our expectations, establishing Turkey as a popular spot for tourism all over the world.

The number of visitors to Turkey was around 64 million in 2025, based on the statistics from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat). This shows an increase from the number that visited in 2024, posting a 2.7% rise. This indicates an increase in the popularity of Turkey as a global tourism destination

Higher Spending Per Visitor: $1,008 on Average

One of the key highlights of Türkiye’s tourism performance in 2025 is the rise in average spending per visitor. On average, visitors spent $1,008, which represents a 3.7% increase from the previous year. This figure is particularly notable as it exceeds government targets, demonstrating the growing economic impact of tourism on the Turkish economy. Visitors to Türkiye are not only coming in greater numbers, but they are also spending more during their stay, which further bolsters the country’s tourism revenue.

In terms of daily expenditure, the average tourist spent approximately $100 per day. This spending covers a wide range of expenses, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities, which directly benefit local businesses and contribute to the overall economic health of the country.

Tourism Spending Composition: Key Drivers of Growth

When examining the sources of tourism income, package tours were the largest contributor, accounting for 28.2% of the total revenue. This highlights the growing popularity of organized travel, where tourists seek all-inclusive deals that combine flights, accommodation, and guided experiences. This trend indicates that travelers are increasingly interested in comprehensive travel experiences that offer convenience and value.

Food and beverage spending accounted for the second-largest share, at 21.1%. As Türkiye is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, this category reflects the importance of gastronomy in attracting visitors. Turkish cuisine, with its diverse range of dishes and flavors, continues to be a major draw for food-loving tourists.

International transportation expenses contributed 12.8% to the total tourism income. This reflects the importance of air travel and international connectivity, with Türkiye serving as a key transit hub for travelers between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The country’s well-connected airports, particularly Istanbul Airport, have played a significant role in facilitating this growth.

Visitor Profiles and Travel Purposes

The majority of visitors to Türkiye in 2025 came for leisure, cultural, sports, and entertainment activities, accounting for 67.7% of the total. This reinforces Türkiye’s position as a top destination for tourists seeking a rich cultural experience, natural beauty, and exciting activities. The country’s historical landmarks, stunning coastlines, and vibrant cities attract millions of tourists each year.

Visiting friends and relatives was the second most common reason for visiting, representing 19.6% of arrivals. This trend highlights the importance of family and cultural connections in driving travel to Türkiye, particularly among the large Turkish diaspora living abroad.

Shopping also played a significant role in the tourism sector, with 5.9% of visitors citing it as their primary motivation for traveling. Türkiye’s bustling markets, luxury shopping districts, and traditional bazaars, such as the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, continue to attract tourists looking for unique and high-quality goods.

Outbound Tourism: A Growing Trend

While inbound tourism revenue grew significantly, Türkiye also saw a notable increase in outbound tourism. Turkish citizens’ spending on overseas travel rose by 24% in 2025, reaching $9.6 billion. The number of Turkish citizens traveling abroad also increased by 4.4%, with 11.9 million people traveling outside of the country. This rise in outbound tourism reflects the increasing global mobility of Turkish citizens, as well as the broader trend of international travel becoming more accessible to the middle class.

Despite the growth in outbound tourism, the positive performance of inbound tourism has offset this increase, and Türkiye remains a net beneficiary of tourism revenue. The government’s policies, designed to promote tourism year-round and across all regions of the country, have played a significant role in maintaining a balance between inbound and outbound tourism flows.

Policy Initiatives and Long-Term Goals

The continued growth of Türkiye’s tourism sector is a result of targeted government initiatives aimed at boosting tourism infrastructure, enhancing travel services, and promoting lesser-known destinations. Efforts to spread tourism throughout the year and across the country have helped reduce the seasonal concentration of tourist arrivals and increase per capita spending.

The Turkish government’s focus on improving connectivity, both domestically and internationally, has been a key factor in making Türkiye more accessible to travelers. Investments in transportation infrastructure, such as the expansion of Istanbul Airport and improved rail and bus networks, have made it easier for tourists to explore the country’s diverse regions.

Impact on Local Economies and Future Outlook

The tourism sector continues to be a significant driver of economic growth in Türkiye. The 6.8% increase in tourism revenue and the higher spending per visitor contribute to job creation and the development of local businesses. From hotel operators to restaurateurs and tour guides, the tourism industry supports millions of livelihoods across the country.

Looking ahead, the Turkish government remains committed to ensuring the continued growth of the tourism sector. By focusing on sustainable tourism practices, enhancing the quality of services, and promoting diverse destinations, Türkiye aims to solidify its position as one of the world’s top tourism destinations.

The rise in visitor spending, coupled with the increasing number of international tourists, indicates that Türkiye will continue to be a major player in the global tourism market. As the world continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic, Türkiye’s tourism sector is poised for continued success in the years to come.

Türkiye’s Resilient and Expanding Tourism Sector

In 2025, Türkiye’s tourism sector achieved a remarkable milestone, with an increase in both revenue and visitor numbers. The growth of the tourism industry is a testament to Türkiye’s global appeal and the country’s commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences. As the government continues to invest in tourism infrastructure, promote sustainable practices, and diversify offerings, the future looks bright for Türkiye’s tourism sector.