Türkiye’s Antalya focuses on French tourists to set new visitor record in 2025

Representatives of Antalya’s tourism sector, Türkiye’s crown jewel of travel destinations, aim to attract over 18.5 million tourists in 2025, with a particular focus on increasing French visitor numbers, following a record-breaking 17 million in 2024.

According to data from the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, Antalya welcomed 17,278,103 visitors, including transfer passengers, between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2024. This milestone marks the highest annual number of visitors the city has ever received.

The unprecedented figures have fueled optimism among tourism professionals for the upcoming season.

Antalya anticipates 18.5 million visitors in 2025

Hakan Saatcioglu, President of the Association of Professional Hotel Managers (POYD), told Anadolu Agency that Antalya has firmly established itself as a world-renowned brand city.

Highlighting the significant contribution of tourism to the national economy, Saatcioglu said, “Antalya plays a pivotal role in bolstering our country’s economy. To further develop the city’s tourism sector, we are collaborating with both public and private stakeholders.”

Recalling tourism minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy’s announcement of foreign visitor statistics for Antalya, Saatcioglu noted, “At the start of the season, we projected 17 million visitors. It’s gratifying to see that goal surpassed. For this year, we anticipate reaching 18.5 million.”

Saatcioglu also revealed that average per capita tourist spending increased from $97 to $107 last year, with expectations of further growth in 2025. “The tourism industry has achieved remarkable success,” he added, “Antalya continues to attract visitors from around the world, and the steadily growing numbers indicate that our guests leave satisfied.”

Antalya’s tourism to focus on French visitors in 2025

Kaan Kasif Kavaloglu, President of the Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers and Operators Association (AKTOB), described 2024 as a successful year for the industry.

“After the global pandemic, the tourism sector regained its upward momentum. We set a target of 17 million visitors last January and are pleased to have achieved it. This year, our goal is to exceed 18 million,” Kavaloglu said.

He emphasized that Russia remains Antalya’s primary market, however, due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, no significant growth is expected from these markets in the near term. To set new records, Kavaloglu stressed the importance of increasing Antalya’s share in alternative markets.

Kavaloglu highlighted France’s untapped tourist potential, stating that the sector would focus on attracting more French visitors. ‘Through collaborative efforts with the Tourism Promotion and Development Agency, we are confident of increasing our share in the French market and exceeding our target of 18 million visitors,’ Kavaloglu noted.