Turkey’s Golden Era in Tourism

Turkey celebrated a remarkable achievement in its tourism sector by hosting 17,809,078 visitors during the first five months of 2024. According to data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, this included 15,784,213 foreign tourists and 2,024,865 Turkish citizens residing abroad who visited during the January-March period.

Surge in Foreign Visitors

In May 2024, Turkey saw a 14% increase in foreign visitors compared to the same month in 2023, totaling 5,130,119. Over the January-May period, the number of foreign visitors grew by 12.47% relative to the previous year.

🌍 Major Tourist Contributors

In May, the Russian Federation topped the list of contributors with 739,017 visitors, marking a 15.32% increase. Germany followed with 729,505 visitors, an 18.12% rise, while the United Kingdom recorded a 21.62% increase with 550,592 visitors. Significant contributions also came from Bulgaria and Poland.

Top Visitor-Sending Countries for the First 5 Months

Primary contributors to Turkey's tourism included:

- Germany: 16.20% increase, 1,122,930 visitors

- Russian Federation: 1,078,294 visitors

- Iran: 51.78% increase, 946,437 visitors

These countries, alongside Bulgaria and the United Kingdom, have significantly boosted Turkey’s economy and enhanced its international acclaim for cultural and natural attractions.

Leading Reasons for Visits: Tourism and Entertainment

During this period, 63.6% of visitors came to Turkey primarily for “tourism, entertainment, sports, and cultural activities.” The second most common reason was “visiting relatives and friends” at 22.4%, followed by “shopping” at 6%. Turkish citizens residing abroad mainly visited for “family and friend visits” at a rate of 70.4%.

Expenditures by Turkish Citizens Living Abroad

• Number of outbound travelers: Increased by 26.3% to 3,142,263 people.
• Tourism expenditure: Climbed by 36% year-on-year to $1,968,374,000.
• Personal expenses: $1,664,310,000
• Package tour expenses: $304,064,000
• Average expenditure per person: $626

Turkey's successful tourism performance continues to bolster economic growth and enhance its international profile.

📢 Common Questions About Turkey’s Tourism

What Is the Main Purpose of German Visits to Turkey?

Visitors from Germany primarily visit Turkey for “tourism, entertainment, sports, and cultural activities.” They explore the country’s historical and cultural sites, enjoy its natural beauty, and participate in various activities. The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts are particularly appealing to German tourists, while cities like Istanbul attract them with museums, historical landmarks, and shopping venues.

What Are the Preferences of Russian Tourists?

Russian tourists are drawn to Turkey mainly for its sea-sun-sand offerings and cultural experiences. Popular vacation spots include Antalya, Alanya, and Marmaris. Additionally, Istanbul's historical and cultural attractions hold great appeal. The hospitality and high-quality services, along with visa-free travel, are significant factors influencing Russian tourists' preferences.

What Is the Peak Season for Tourism in Turkey?

The summer months, particularly July and August, are the busiest for tourists visiting Turkey, with beach tourism thriving due to the warm weather. Coastal resorts in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions are especially crowded during this time. While winter tourism is also popular at ski destinations like Uludağ and Palandöken, the main influx of visitors occurs in the summer. Spring and autumn are often preferred for cultural and nature-based tourism.

📢 Most Frequently Asked

What is the main reason for most visitors coming to Turkey?

The primary reason most visitors come to Turkey is for “tourism, entertainment, sports, and cultural activities.” According to the data, 63.6% of visitors engage in these activities, enjoying Turkey's diverse offerings. Tourists explore historical sites, participate in various cultural festivals, and experience the natural beauty of the country. The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts are particularly popular for beach tourism, while cities like Istanbul attract visitors with their rich historical and cultural heritage. This combination of activities makes Turkey a top destination for leisure and cultural tourism.

Which countries are the largest contributors of tourists to Turkey?

The largest contributors of tourists to Turkey include Germany, the Russian Federation, and Iran. In the first five months of 2024, Germany saw a 16.20% increase with 1,122,930 visitors, while the Russian Federation had 1,078,294 visitors. Iran showed a significant increase of 51.78%, contributing 946,437 visitors. These countries play a pivotal role in boosting Turkey’s tourism sector and its economy. Tourists from these nations enjoy Turkey’s diverse attractions, ranging from its cultural heritage to its natural landscapes and beach destinations, helping to enhance the country's international recognition.

How much do Turkish citizens living abroad spend when they travel overseas?

Turkish citizens living abroad spent significantly on their travels, with tourism expenditure increasing by 36% year-on-year, reaching $1,968,374,000. This expenditure includes personal expenses amounting to $1,664,310,000 and package tour expenses totaling $304,064,000. The average expenditure per person was $626. These figures indicate a rising trend in travel and spending behaviors among Turkish citizens residing abroad, reflecting their propensity to visit family, friends, and enjoy leisure activities in different countries. Their travel expenditures have a noticeable impact on the global tourism economy.