Türkiye’s tourism sector reached a historic milestone in 2024, with revenues rising 8.3% year-over-year to a record $61.1 billion, according to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) released on Jan. 31.
The country welcomed 62.2 million visitors, marking a 9% increase from 2023, highlighting Türkiye’s continued appeal as a top global travel destination.
Tourism Income Breakdown
Of the total revenue, $60.5 billion came from foreign visitors, while $606 million was generated from transfer passengers. Additionally, Turkish citizens residing abroad contributed 17% of the total tourism income.
Despite the rise in visitor numbers, average spending per visitor slightly declined, with per capita expenditures at $972 (down from $979 in 2023). The average nightly expenditure stood at $97.
Key Travel Trends and Spending Patterns
- Primary reason for visits: The majority (64.9%) of visitors traveled for leisure, entertainment, sports, and cultural activities.
- Shopping impact: Tourists spent $6.2 billion on clothing and footwear and $2.15 billion on souvenirs, accounting for 6.2% of all visits.
- Medical tourism surge: More than 1.5 million people visited Türkiye for health and medical treatments, generating over $3 billion in revenue.
Outbound Travel and Spending Trends
The number of Turkish citizens traveling abroad increased 2.9% in 2024, reaching 11.4 million. However, Türkiye’s tourism expenditures declined by 8.2% to $7.74 billion, indicating a stronger net tourism balance for the economy.
Q4 2024 Performance: A Strong Finish
Türkiye’s tourism sector ended the year on a high note, with fourth-quarter revenues surging 14.5% annually to $13.8 billion, reinforcing the country’s position as a key player in global tourism.
With record-breaking figures and sustained growth in key tourism segments, Türkiye is poised to further strengthen its tourism economy in 2025, backed by diverse attractions, increased medical tourism, and strategic tourism policies.