Türkiye’s Tourism Revenues Reach Record $61.1 Billion in 2024

Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Türkiye’s tourism revenues surged to an all-time high of $61.1 billion in 2024, marking an 8.3 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute.

The country welcomed 62.2 million visitors in 2024, a 9 percent rise from the previous year, surpassing the 49.2 million foreign tourists recorded in 2023. The average expenditure per visitor stood at $972, with a per-night spending average of $97.

The majority of visitors, 64.9 percent, traveled to Türkiye for leisure, entertainment, sporting events, and cultural activities, reinforcing the nation’s status as a premier global tourism destination.

Meanwhile, the number of Turkish citizens traveling abroad also increased by 2.9 percent, reaching 11.4 million in 2024.

Commenting on this strong performance, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz highlighted that the country’s tourism revenues had exceeded the Medium-Term Program target, setting a new benchmark for the sector.

“Our tourism revenues in 2024 surpassed expectations, reaching a record high of $61.1 billion,” Yilmaz stated in a social media post. He emphasized that this growth in tourism not only stimulated economic activity but also contributed to balanced economic expansion.

“The sector has created employment opportunities, particularly for young people, and played a crucial role in reducing the current account deficit by bringing in foreign currency,” Yilmaz noted. He further stated that these gains have strengthened Türkiye’s economic policies aimed at reducing inflation and fostering sustainable growth.

Looking ahead to 2025, Türkiye has set an ambitious target of $63.6 billion in tourism revenues, with expectations that the positive economic impacts will continue.