Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy revealed Turkey’s success in tourism and its future targets at the ITB Berlin Fair. Minister Ersoy emphasized that Turkey is determined to reach its goal of 65 million visitors and 64 billion dollars in revenue by the end of 2025.
2024 Achievements and 2025 Targets
Minister Ersoy stated that Turkey had hosted 62.3 million visitors and generated 61.1 billion dollars in revenue in 2024, and for 2025, the goal is to attract 65 million visitors and generate 64 billion dollars in revenue. He also mentioned that the per capita nightly revenue increased from 83 dollars in 2017 to 108 dollars in 2024, showing a 31% increase.
Key Tourist Source Markets
Ersoy evaluated the developments in Turkey’s key tourist source markets. In 2024, 6.7 million visitors arrived from Russia, and 6.6 million from Germany, with the UK ranking third with 4.4 million visitors. He highlighted that early booking data from Germany was strong and that Turkey continues to be the second largest destination for German tourists after Spain. He also noted that early bookings from Russia had increased compared to last year, and the appreciation of the ruble has increased interest in Turkey. Minister Ersoy stated that over 7 million visitors are expected from both Russia and Germany by the end of 2025.
UK Market and Year-Round Tourism
Ersoy pointed out the significant growth in the UK market, noting that early bookings from the UK had increased compared to last year. He forecasted that the number of visitors from the UK would rise from 4.4 million in 2024 to 4.8 million in 2025. Additionally, he mentioned that to spread tourism throughout the year, Turkey is focusing on gastronomy, cultural heritage, and alternative tourism products, with archaeological excavations and nighttime museum projects receiving great interest.
Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Excavations
Minister Ersoy emphasized that Turkey has become the country with the most archaeological excavations worldwide and announced that by 2026, the number of excavation sites would increase to 800. He stated that Turkey aims to complete a similar amount of excavation work in the next 4 years as was done in the past 60 years. He stressed that cultural tourism is one of Turkey’s strongest areas.
Long-Distance Markets and Growth Targets
Minister Ersoy also mentioned the increase in the number of tourists from distant markets, stating that the Chinese market grew by more than 60% last year, and the US market saw a 20% increase in January. He highlighted that in order to reach the target of 100 million visitors and 100 billion dollars in revenue, increasing air travel capacity is essential.
Turkish Airlines and the Aviation Sector
Ersoy reminded that 70% of visitors to Turkey arrive by air and highlighted the importance of joint projects with Turkish Airlines and new strategies. He emphasized that growth in the aviation sector would play a critical role in achieving Turkey’s tourism targets.
Turkey Tourism Agency and Stability
Minister Ersoy praised the contributions of the Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) and stated that the agency has played a significant role in increasing tourist numbers and ensuring stability in tourism despite crises.
Finally, Minister Ersoy reiterated Turkey’s determination to achieve the target of 65 million visitors and 64 billion dollars in revenue by the end of 2025.
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