Turkey’s Travel & Tourism sector is poised for remarkable growth in 2025, according to the latest report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The sector is expected to contribute ₺5.2 trillion to the national economy, which represents 12% of Turkey’s GDP. This marks an increase of over ₺200 billion from the previous year.
The growth is expected to be driven by both international and domestic visitors. International visitor spending is projected to reach ₺2.6 trillion, highlighting Turkey’s rising global appeal. Meanwhile, domestic visitors are anticipated to spend ₺1.4 trillion, reflecting the strength of the local tourism market and the increasing interest among Turks in exploring their own country.
WTTC’s Economic Impact Research also points to the sector’s significant role in employment. In 2025, Travel & Tourism is expected to support 3.3 million jobs, accounting for over 10% of all national employment. This includes jobs across various industries, such as hospitality, transport, food services, and cultural experiences, creating long-term opportunities for millions of Turkish citizens.
WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson commented, “Travel & Tourism in Turkey continues to grow rapidly and is reaching record numbers. As travellers seek authentic, enriching experiences, Turkey is offering world-class experiences with open arms.”
A Review of 2024
In 2024, Turkey’s Travel & Tourism sector contributed ₺5 trillion to the national economy, representing nearly 12% of GDP. The sector also supported 3.2 million jobs, or one in every ten jobs across the country. International visitor spending was ₺2.5 trillion, slightly lower than the previous year, while domestic spending added ₺1.3 trillion. These figures underscore the expanding influence of the sector.
Simpson added, “2025 is on track to be a record year for Turkey’s Travel & Tourism sector, but success is never guaranteed. While 2024 saw significant progress, international visitor spending saw a slight decline. In a highly competitive global market, Turkey must continue to innovate and invest to maintain its leading position.”
Support from Private Sector
Ayhan Bektas, Chairman of Coral Travel Group and WTTC Member, also expressed optimism about the outlook. “We are proud to be part of Turkey’s tourism success story, which supports millions of jobs and adds real value to the economy. The partnership between the private sector and government has made Turkey one of the world’s most dynamic travel destinations. We look forward to contributing further to this success.”
Looking to the Future: Projections for 2035
WTTC projections suggest that the Travel & Tourism sector will continue to grow strongly through 2035. By that year, the sector is expected to contribute ₺7 trillion to the economy, nearly 13% of GDP, and support 3.8 million jobs—creating over half a million new roles over the next decade.
International and domestic visitor spending are both expected to rise steadily. International visitor spending is projected to reach ₺3.4 trillion, while domestic tourism is expected to contribute ₺1.7 trillion by 2035.
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