From the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the beaches of Antalya and the mosques of Istanbul, Turkey is one of the world’s tourism powerhouses.
In 2024, the country welcomed a record 59.4 million foreign visitors, up from 56.7 million in 2023 — making Turkey the 4th most visited country in the world, behind France, Spain, and the United States.
Tourism remains a cornerstone of the Turkish economy, contributing billions in foreign revenue and employing millions nationwide.
Key Stats: Turkey Tourism
- Over 52.6 million foreign tourists in 2024 — Turkey continues breaking records, with a roughly 7% rise from the previous year.
- US$ 61.1 billion in tourism revenue — the highest ever recorded for Turkey, marking an 8.3% increase.
- Each visitor spent on average about US$ 972, and about US$ 97 per night in 2024.
- Russia, Germany and the UK were the top sending countries, each sending several million tourists in 2024.
- In the last quarter alone (Q4 2024), Turkey generated ~US$ 13.8 billion, showing strong seasonality and recovery.
- The tourism industry makes up around 10% of GDP and employs about 5% of the workforce — a major economic pillar.
- For 2025 the country targets ~65 million visitors and ~US$ 63.6 billion in revenue — the ambition remains high.
- Nearly 65% of visitors are motivated by leisure, entertainment, cultural or sporting purposes — not solely “sun-and-sea”.
- Counting Turkish citizens living abroad, Turkey welcomed roughly 62.3 million people in 2024 — combining inbound tourism and diaspora visits.
How Many Tourists Visit Turkey Each Year?
In 2024, Turkey hosted 59.4 million international visitors — its highest number ever.
| Year | International Visitors (millions) | Change YoY |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 51.7 | — |
| 2020 | 15.9 | ↓ (pandemic) |
| 2021 | 29.9 | ↑ |
| 2022 | 51.4 | ↑ |
| 2023 | 56.7 | ↑ 10.3% |
| 2024 | 59.4 | ↑ 4.8% |
The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism expects arrivals to surpass 63 million in 2025 if current trends continue.
How Many Tourists Visit Turkey Each Day?
On average, ~162,000 foreign tourists enter Turkey daily.
During peak summer months (July–September), this number exceeds 200,000 daily arrivals, driven mainly by travelers heading to Antalya, Istanbul, and the Aegean coast.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Turkey?
Tourism revenue reached USD 54.3 billion in 2024, setting a new national record.
| Year | Tourism Revenue (USD billion) | Average Spend per Visitor (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 12.1 | 760 |
| 2021 | 24.5 | 820 |
| 2022 | 46.3 | 900 |
| 2023 | 54.3 | 915 |
| 2024 | 54.3 | 913 |
Tourism accounts for roughly 5.6% of Turkey’s GDP, and supports 2.6 million jobs across hospitality, aviation, and retail sectors.
Which Countries Visit Turkey the Most?
Russia and Germany remain Turkey’s largest source markets, followed by the UK, Iran, and Bulgaria.
| Country | Visitors (2024 est.) | Share of Total |
|---|---|---|
| 🇷🇺 Russia | 6.32M | 10.6% |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 6.13M | 10.3% |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 3.84M | 6.5% |
| 🇮🇷 Iran | 2.95M | 5% |
| 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | 2.69M | 4.5% |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 1.29M | 2.2% |
| 🇫🇷 France | 1.26M | 2.1% |
| 🇺🇸 United States | 1.19M | 2% |
| 🇮🇶 Iraq | 1.13M | 1.9% |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 0.95M | 1.6% |
What Are the Most Visited Cities in Turkey?
Istanbul, Antalya, and Mugla dominate international arrivals.
| City / Region | Visitors (2024 est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | ~17.4M | 1st — Cultural & historical hub |
| Antalya | ~16.1M | 2nd — Beach capital of Turkey |
| Muğla (Bodrum, Fethiye, Marmaris) | ~6.8M | 3rd — Aegean resorts |
| İzmir | ~2.6M | Historical coast |
| Cappadocia (Nevşehir) | ~1.4M | Hot-air balloons & caves |
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Turkey?
From ancient wonders to natural landscapes, Turkey’s tourist sites draw millions each year.
| Attraction | Annual Visitors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque (Istanbul) | ~14M | UNESCO site, free entry |
| Blue Mosque (Istanbul) | ~11M | Iconic Ottoman landmark |
| Topkapi Palace | ~5M | Historic royal complex |
| Pamukkale Travertines | ~3M | Thermal terraces |
| Cappadocia (Göreme Open-Air Museum) | ~2.5M | Cave churches & balloon rides |
| Ephesus Ruins | ~2M | Ancient Roman city |
| Dolmabahçe Palace | ~1.8M | Ottoman luxury |
| Grand Bazaar (Istanbul) | ~5M | Oldest covered market |
| Galata Tower | ~1.4M | City views |
| Troy Archaeological Site | ~700K | Ancient legend site |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Turkey? (Seasonality)
Turkey’s tourism peaks in summer but remains active year-round.
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–Jun) | High | Mild weather, blooming landscapes |
| Summer (Jul–Sep) | Peak | Beach tourism, high prices |
| Autumn (Oct–Nov) | Moderate | Ideal for sightseeing |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Low | Ski resorts & city breaks |
How Does Tourism Impact Turkey’s Economy?
Tourism generated USD 54.3 billion in 2024, a record for Turkey, with a goal of USD 60 billion in 2025.
- Accounts for ~12% of total export revenue
- Supports ~2.6M jobs
- Major drivers: air connectivity, hotel expansion, and cultural tourism
Turkey’s government continues to invest heavily in sustainable tourism, digital promotion, and regional diversification — encouraging travel beyond Istanbul and Antalya to Cappadocia, Trabzon, and Eastern Anatolia.
Which Are Turkey’s Most Popular Types of Tourism?
Turkey’s tourism is remarkably diverse — from leisure and heritage to medical and religious travel.
| Type | Share of Total (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Leisure / Beach | ~57% | Antalya, Muğla, Aegean coast |
| Cultural / Historical | ~20% | Istanbul, Ephesus, Cappadocia |
| Health / Medical | ~10% | Dental, cosmetic, wellness |
| Religious (Umrah route, Christian heritage) | ~5% | Pilgrimage routes |
| Business / MICE | ~4% | Istanbul & Ankara |
| Ecotourism / Adventure | ~4% | Cappadocia, Kaş, Mount Ararat |
FAQ – Turkey Tourism Insights
How many tourists visited Turkey in 2024?
59.4 million foreign visitors — a national record.
What are the top countries visiting Turkey?
Russia, Germany, and the UK lead the list.
Which city is the most visited in Turkey?
Istanbul, with over 17 million arrivals.
How much did tourism contribute to the economy?
USD 54.3 billion in 2024, about 5.6% of GDP.
What is Turkey’s most popular tourist attraction?
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in Istanbul.
When is the best time to visit Turkey?
Spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Sources
- Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism — Official Tourism Statistics 2024–2025
- Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) — Tourism Revenue and Visitor Data 2024
- Anadolu Agency — Turkey’s Tourism Revenue Hits Record High in 2024
- Daily Sabah — Turkey Breaks Tourism Record in 2024
- UNWTO — World Tourism Rankings 2024
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