Foreign tourist arrivals in Turkey decreased by 4.02% in June 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, following a 3.58% year-on-year decline in May 2026, according to official statistics published by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism on July 31, 2026.
Tourism Sector Faces Consecutive Monthly Declines
This marks the second month in a row with falling foreign arrivals, signaling continued challenges for Turkey’s tourism industry during the peak summer season that generally spans June through August. Tourism represents a major pillar of Turkey’s economy, supporting numerous jobs and contributing significant foreign currency inflows, especially in major urban centers and coastal regions.
Impact on Key Cities and Source Markets
Istanbul and
Antalya remain principal cities benefiting from tourism-related employment. The decline in foreign visitors, notably from key source countries such as Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom, is likely to affect bookings for hotels, airlines, and tour operators, potentially reducing revenues and triggering staffing adjustments within the sector.
Underlying Economic and Geopolitical Factors
Factors influencing this tourism contraction include ongoing inflation and currency volatility, which may reduce travel affordability. Geopolitical tensions in the wider region and evolving traveler preferences might also be contributing to the negative trend. Additionally, the robust recovery in Turkey’s tourism sector during 2024 establishes a high comparison baseline, accentuating the year-on-year downturn
in 2026.
Scope and Timing of Data
The official data tracks foreign visitors entering Turkey, excluding Turkish nationals living abroad. It was released by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism on July 31, 2026, providing the latest assessment of inbound tourism performance amid the summer travel season.
