Türkiye increased international tourist arrivals by 21% from 2019 to 2025, ranking fourth in tourism growth among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, according to data published by Daily Sabah based on the OECD’s Tourism Trends and Policies 2026 report. This global report shows international tourist arrivals in OECD countries reached a record 847 million in 2025, up 3.4% from 2024, following an 8.1% rise in 2024 compared to 2023.
Türkiye Tourism Performance in 2025
Türkiye received 52.78 million foreign tourists in 2025, contributing to a total of 63.94 million visitors, the highest number on record. The sector generated $65.23 billion in tourism
revenue, a 6.8% increase over the previous year, surpassing the government’s Medium-Term Program target of $64 billion for 2025. The government aims to increase tourism income to $68 billion in 2026.
Global and Regional Tourism Challenges
The OECD report highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions, conflicts in the Middle East, shifting travel preferences, and extreme weather events as major factors influencing global tourism trends. Rising travel costs, security worries, and cancellation uncertainties have driven tourists to favor familiar and more affordable destinations. Airlines and tourism operators are adjusting their plans for 2027 amid these uncertainties.
Industry Response and Strategic Growth Focus
Firuz Bağlıkaya, chair of the Association of Travel Agencies of Türkiye (TÜRSAB),
stated, “Türkiye has a strong tourism ecosystem that has successfully managed numerous global and regional crises.” He noted tourism’s sensitivity to geopolitical events, health emergencies, natural disasters, and economic fluctuations. Bağlıkaya emphasized that future industry growth should focus on increasing tourist spending, extending length of stay, ensuring sustainability, and improving the sector’s contribution to the economy.
Economic Contribution and Opportunities within Türkiye
Tourism accounts for approximately 10% of Türkiye’s gross domestic product and about 5% of total employment. TÜRSAB’s chair outlined plans to grow higher-value tourism segments such as cultural, gastronomic, health, convention, sports, faith-based, cruise, and rural tourism to diversify and extend seasonal activity. Bağlıkaya
identified cruise tourism as one of the highest-spending segments and suggested that integration of Türkiye’s cruise ports with Istanbul Airport, a major global aviation hub, could further strengthen this market segment.
