Home » Breaking News » Turkey’s tourism boom: 56.7 million visitors, $54.3 billion in revenue in 2023
Thursday, February 8, 2024
Reading time: 2 minutes
Known as one of the world’s top tourist destinations, Turkey maintained its impressive growth trajectory by welcoming 56.7 million international tourists in 2023, a massive 10% increase over the previous year. According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Turkey’s tourism receipts grew by a staggering 17% to $54.3 billion, with the average overnight spend reaching $99. These figures represent a record-breaking milestone for Turkey in terms of both tourist numbers and tourism receipts.
Tourism demand breaks records
Known for its diverse attractions including culture, arts, gastronomy, cycling, religious tourism and traditional beach holidays, Turkey has set an unprecedented year for itself in 2023. Building on this success, Turkey has set an ambitious goal of attracting 60 million tourists and generating $60 billion in tourism revenue by 2024. Highlighting the importance of market diversity, Turkey plans to continue its efforts in existing strategic markets next year as well as explore new target markets.
Pioneering sustainability efforts
Underlying Turkey’s tourism success is a strategic commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. Through responsible and sustainable policies, Turkey has transformed its tourism sector into a resilient and environmentally conscious industry. In a groundbreaking move, Turkey became the first country in the world to formally sign an agreement with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) at the government level in 2022. The agreement was implemented as a sector requirement to establish the Turkey Sustainable Tourism Program in collaboration with GSTC. The program will not only recognize and reward sustainable tourism practitioners, but also foster visitor trust and confidence. By offering a diverse range of sustainable experiences, including eco-friendly accommodation, cycling and trekking, Turkey aims to deepen the connection between its rich heritage and the people who value it.
Türkiye: A year-round gem
Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, blessed with stunning natural beauty and numerous historical sites, Turkey shines as a year-round destination for travelers. From the bustle of vibrant cities to thrilling sports activities and cultural festivals, Turkey’s diverse charm continues to attract visitors from all over the world. Apart from famous landmarks, Turkey is home to hidden archaeological treasures that are meticulously preserved through ongoing excavation and restoration projects. As a testament to its commitment to heritage protection, Turkey plans to expand its archaeological efforts to 720 projects in 2023 and further increase to 750 in 2024. Additionally, Turkey offers enchanting nighttime visits to popular archaeological sites such as Ephesus, Hierapolis, Patara, and Side, allowing visitors to experience the magic of Turkey’s cultural heritage under the stars.
