Türkiye’s tourism boom: 26.1M arrivals, $23.7B revenue in first half of 2024

Foreign arrivals in Türkiye jumped by nearly 10% in the first six months of 2024, signaling strong momentum in the tourism sector.

Official data from the Culture and Tourism Ministry revealed that 21.6 million foreigners visited the country from January to June, a 10.3% increase from the same period last year.

Including Turkish citizens living abroad, total arrivals reached 26.1 million, marking a 13.9% rise compared to 2023 and a 23.6% increase from 2019, a landmark year for tourism.

Why it matters

The continued surge in tourism indicates Türkiye’s robust recovery from the pandemic downturn and sets the stage for achieving the government’s target of 60 million visitors by the end of 2024.

This growth builds on the record of 56.7 million arrivals in 2023, underscoring Türkiye’s position as a top global tourist destination.

By the numbers

• 26.1 million total arrivals in the first six months, a 13.9% increase from last year.
• 21.6 million foreign visitors, up 10.3% year-over-year.
• $23.7 billion in tourism revenue for January- June 2024, a 9.3% increase from the previous year.
• 10.1 days average length of stay in the first half of 2024, down slightly from 11.1 days in 2023.
• $109 per capita overnight income, up from $103 in the same period last year.

What they’re saying

Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy emphasized Türkiye’s swift post-pandemic recovery during a press conference in Istanbul.

He provided insights into the period between 2019 and 2024, highlighting the rising trend in tourist arrivals despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

He noted Türkiye is developing its strategy to extend tourism beyond the peak season, with off-season growth rates surpassing yearly averages.

Driving news

June alone saw 6.8 million arrivals, a 9.1% year-over-year increase, despite a slight slowdown in growth because of the European football championship and the upcoming Paris Olympics.

Visitors from Russia (2.7 million), Germany (2.5 million), and the United Kingdom (1.8 million) were the leading contributors to these figures. Minister Ersoy predicts that by the end of the year, arrivals from Russia and Germany will balance out, with each contributing around 7 million visitors.

Revenue growth

Tourism revenue continued to rise, reaching $23.7 billion in the first half of 2024. Minister Ersoy voiced optimism about maintaining this momentum, with a year-end target of $60 billion in sight.

He also noted the positive trend in per capita overnight income, which increased to $109, reflecting steady growth in tourism spending.

Economic impact

The boost in tourism revenue is expected to impact Türkiye’s current account deficit positively.

Trade Minister Omer Bolat highlighted that tourism income, combined with strong export trends and declining imports, is likely to contribute to the recovery in the foreign trade balance and reduce the current account deficit by the end of the year.

The foreign trade deficit narrowed by 30.5% in the first half of 2024, further supporting this outlook.

Cultural impact

In addition to tourism growth, Minister Ersoy touched upon several cultural initiatives.

The Kariye Mosque, which reopened for worship earlier this year after extensive restoration, will be open only on Fridays starting Aug. 19, with an entrance fee of €20.

The minister also highlighted the success of the Türkiye Kultur Yolu Festivali, which has expanded to 16 cities and blends tourism with cultural activities, exhibitions and concerts.

Bottom line

Türkiye’s tourism sector is not only recovering but thriving, with both arrivals and revenues on track to set new records by the end of 2024.

The government’s strategic efforts to spread tourism throughout the year and integrate cultural experiences are paying off, positioning Türkiye as a leading destination for global travelers.