Global tourism trends: Turkey sees growth while Thailand considers tourist fee

Turkey is experiencing a significant surge in tourism, with total overnight stays rising 11.8 percent to 181.6 million between January and August 2026. This growth is primarily driven by domestic travelers, whose overnight stays increased by 22.6 percent to 78.1 million. Foreign overnight stays grew more modestly by 4.8 percent, totaling 103.5 million.

Among international markets, China saw a 38.4 percent increase and Uzbekistan rose by 56.4 percent. Russia also showed growth with a 16.6 percent increase. Conversely, overnight stays from the United Kingdom fell by 3.4 percent, and visitors from Iran decreased by 25.2 percent.

In Thailand, a recent survey by the Ministry of Tourism indicates strong public support for a proposed 450-Baht fee for foreign tourists. Approximately 80.5 percent of the 5,954 participants supported the fee, with 78.3 percent agreeing to the specific amount. If implemented, the plan aims to target air travelers starting in early 2027, with land and water travelers potentially following a year later. The proposal currently awaits approval from the National Tourism Committee and the Cabinet.