Türkiye hosts over 4 million foreign tourists in January-February 2025
File photo shows foreign tourists retrieve their luggage at Antalya Airport in Antalya, Türkiye. (AA Photo)
Türkiye welcomed 4.34 million foreign tourists in the first two months of 2025, maintaining the same number as the previous year, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Istanbul draws largest share of tourists
Istanbul, Türkiye’s most populous city and a major tourist attraction, was the primary destination for foreign visitors, with nearly 1.25 million tourists, accounting for 57.8% of the total arrivals.
The city’s rich cultural heritage, iconic landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere continue to make it a top choice for travelers.
Other popular destinations: Edirne and Antalya
Following Istanbul, the northwestern province of Edirne, which borders both Bulgaria and Greece and the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya were the next most visited locations.
These regions offer a mix of historical sites and scenic beauty, drawing travelers from around the world.
Leading nationalities of foreign tourists
Iran topped the list of nationalities visiting Türkiye in January-February 2025, representing 10.7% of the total foreign arrivals.
Russia and Bulgaria followed closely behind, indicating the continued popularity of Türkiye as a destination for visitors from neighboring countries.
Visitor numbers in February
In February alone, Türkiye recorded 2.17 million foreign visitors. However, this represented a slight decrease of 5.34% compared to the same month in the previous year, reflecting a modest dip in tourist arrivals.
