Travel and tourism in Turkey - statistics & facts
Turkey attracts travelers from across the world for its cultural and historical sites, as well as its Mediterranean climate. As the country sits between Southeastern Europe and Western Asia, many of its attractions draw influences from both the West and the East. It is the case of Istanbul — the most popular destination in Turkey for international visitors — whose districts are divided by the Bosporus strait and developed across Europe and Asia. In 2023, the total contribution of travel and tourism to Turkey’s GDP amounted to more than 1.7 trillion Turkish lira. This figure rose significantly compared to the first year of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Similarly, the contribution of travel and tourism to employment in Turkey completely recovered, with the sector generating, directly and indirectly, over three million jobs.
The Turkish tourism sector, which has recovered after the COVID-19 pandemic and whose overall revenue is expected to increase in the coming years, will continue to be one of the most important pillars of the Turkish economy.
International tourism in Turkey after the COVID-19 pandemic
While the COVID-19 pandemic hit travel and tourism hard in the Mediterranean country, the sector has experienced signs of recovery since 2021. The number of international tourist arrivals in Turkey totaled over 49 million in 2023, surpassing the previous peak of 45 million arrivals recorded before the health crisis. Additionally, the average tourist expenditure per capita of international visitors has increased since 2018, having peaked at over 1,000 U.S. dollars in 2021. However, the average tourist expenditure in 2023 saw a reduction to 952 U.S. dollars.Struggles in the domestic market
Domestic tourism did not fully recover from the impact of COVID-19, despite a significant annual increase in the years after 2020. In 2023, the number of trips in Turkey made by domestic travelers reached 61.5 million, staying below pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, outbound tourism was more dramatically affected by the travel restrictions, with the number of Turkish residents traveling abroad being 72 percent lower in 2021 compared to 2019. Nevertheless, in 2023, over 11 million Turks visited destinations abroad, which showed a significant recovery from the low figures during the pandemic. Prior to the global crisis, Bulgaria was the most popular outbound country for Turkish residents. In 2022 and 2023, however, the leading destination was Iraq.Tourism in Istanbul
Despite not being the capital of Turkey, Istanbul is the largest province in the country. It is home to some of Turkey’s most famous attractions, including the Galata Tower, the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, and the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, which were among the most visited museums in Istanbul in 2022. Attractions such as these form the backbone of the city’s tourism sector, making it the best-rated city based on traveler scores in Europe in 2023. Aside from the rich cultural offer, travelers are also drawn to the city because it is a less expensive choice than other bustling European destinations. Istanbul was among the most affordable cities for backpacking in Europe.The Turkish tourism sector, which has recovered after the COVID-19 pandemic and whose overall revenue is expected to increase in the coming years, will continue to be one of the most important pillars of the Turkish economy.
