Turkey records 25.8 million tourists in H1 2026 amid regional tensions

Turkey welcomed 25.8 million international visitors in the first half of 2026, generating tourism revenue of about $25.8 billion, unchanged from the previous year. The average stay rose slightly to 10.01 nights and average spending per night increased to $109. The three largest source markets remained Russia (2.65 million), Germany (2.44 million) and the United Kingdom (1.58 million), with the Netherlands also showing modest growth.

German foreign‑travel advisories warned that certain regions of Turkey face heightened security risks due to ongoing military tensions in the Middle East, including recent missile interceptions over Turkish airspace. Turkish authorities said defensive measures are in place and no injuries have been reported, but the situation adds a layer of caution for prospective visitors.