Türkiye tourism industry growth and sustainability

Türkiye has experienced significant growth in its tourism sector, with revenue increasing from $30 billion to $65 billion over an eight-year period. Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister Nadir Alpaslan noted that the country has become the fourth most visited nation globally, maintaining its status as a safe destination despite regional instability.

To sustain this momentum, the ministry is working to expand tourism across all 81 provinces and extend the travel season to 12 months. The strategy, coordinated by the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, focuses on diversifying products such as cultural, health, and winter tourism.

Recent data from the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 Travel and Tourism Development Index highlights Türkiye as a model for sustainable tourism. The country’s score for the economic and social impact of tourism rose by 8.3% since 2024. Additionally, the national sustainable tourism program launched in 2022 has resulted in over 2,000 accommodation facilities receiving international sustainability certifications.

Between 2019 and 2025, Türkiye was the fourth fastest-growing destination among OECD countries, seeing a 21% increase in international tourist numbers. In the first half of 2026, the sector recorded 25.7 million visitors and $25.7 billion in revenue, with primary markets including Russia, Germany, and the United Kingdom.