Türkiye welcomes nearly 50M visitors in 9 months, aiming for sustainable tourism
Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy speaks at a ceremony held in Istanbul, Türkiye, December 5, 2024. (IHA Photo)
The country hosted 49.2 million visitors in the first nine months of 2024, earning $46.9 billion in tourism revenue, Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, announced Friday.
Visitor numbers grew by 9% year-over-year, while tourism income increased by 7%. Ersoy also revealed the annual target of 60 million visitors had been revised to 61 million, showcasing Türkiye’s remarkable tourism growth.
Michelin guide 2025 expands to Mugla
Speaking at the Michelin Guide 2025 Istanbul-Izmir-Mugla Awards Ceremony in Istanbul, Ersoy celebrated Türkiye’s burgeoning gastronomy scene. The event unveiled 132 restaurants across the three regions, with 77 in Istanbul, 24 in Izmir, and 31 in Mugla. The prestigious guide awarded one restaurant its first Michelin Star, nine with the Bib Gourmand, and six establishments with the Green Star for sustainability.
Minister Ersoy emphasized the pivotal role gastronomy plays in enhancing Türkiye’s tourism appeal, stating, “Our gastronomy sector has secured its rightful position within our overall tourism strategy.”
Gastronomy as diplomatic asset
Ersoy underlined Turkish cuisine’s growing influence on global tourism trends, supported by initiatives like the “Deliciously Türkiye” campaign. “Our rich culinary heritage is a powerful tool for showcasing Türkiye’s unique cultural and historical identity,” he remarked.
The Michelin Guide’s inclusion of Mugla marks an expansion from Istanbul and Izmir, and its ongoing recognition of Turkish chefs in global rankings continues to elevate Türkiye’s gastronomy credentials.
Türkiye leads in global sustainable tourism
Türkiye has set an ambitious goal to make all accommodation facilities 100% sustainable by 2030. Minister Ersoy highlighted the nation’s pioneering collaboration with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), noting, “Türkiye is the first country globally to sign an agreement with GSTC at a governmental level.”
Currently, over 19,000 establishments are undergoing the GSTC certification process. Efforts are now expanding to include the food and beverage sector, positioning Türkiye as a global leader in sustainability-focused gastronomy.
Istanbul, Izmir, and Mugla shine as ‘Gastro-Cities’
Minister Ersoy praised the Michelin Guide for showcasing Türkiye’s top culinary talents and promoting Istanbul, Izmir, and Mugla as leading “gastro-cities.” He celebrated the chefs’ dedication to blending local ingredients with contemporary interpretations, stating, “We hope to see new cities join the guide in the coming years.”
With Türkiye’s tourism sector thriving and its culinary scene earning international acclaim, the nation continues to establish itself as a global hub for unique cultural and gastronomic experiences.
