Turkey has set a $70 billion tourism revenue target for 2027, increasing its tourism sector budget to $244.5 million from $188.4 million in 2026 under the government’s Medium-Term Programme. Ankara considers these revenues crucial to securing sixth place in global tourism receipts in 2027 and fourth place in international tourist arrivals.
Turkey’s Global Tourism Rankings from 2017 Through 2029
Turkey generated $65.2 billion in tourism revenue in 2025. The country initially targeted $68 billion for 2026 but revised this figure down to $65 billion due to regional conflicts. The World Tourism Organization projects Turkey will improve from seventh place globally in tourism revenue in 2026 to sixth in
2027 and fifth in 2028.
Since 2017, Turkey climbed from 15th to seventh place in tourism revenue and from eighth to fourth in tourist arrivals. It aims to maintain fourth place in international arrivals from 2027 through 2029.
Impact of Regional Conflicts and Government Funding Strategy
The downward revision of the 2026 revenue target is attributed to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions in the Middle East, both impacting tourism demand. In response, Ankara’s Medium-Term Programme includes a significant increase in the sector’s budget to $244.5 million for 2027, up from $188.4 million in 2026, to support growth objectives.
World Economic Forum Travel and Tourism Development Index Goals
Turkey plans gradual improvement in the World Economic Forum’s
Travel and Tourism Development Index ranking, aiming to move from 36th projected in 2026 to 35th in 2027, 34th in 2028, and 33rd by 2029.
