In a year that was both successful and difficult, Türkiye’s tourism sector broke all previous records in 2024, generating $61.1 billion in revenue. This increase, mainly caused by foreign tourists, secured Türkiye’s position as one of the most visited countries in 2024. However, the record-breaking numbers also reveal a more complex reality. Increasing inflation has largely impacted domestic travels, making them economically unreasonable and causing many to go abroad for other vacation options. However, the striking news were overshadowed by the backlash faced by the Tourism Ministry after a fire in the widely known Grand Hotel ski resort in Kartalkaya, which called attention to problems regarding safety regulations.
Based on data collected by Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), tourism increased by 8.3% from 2023 to 2024. This added up to over 62 million tourists in 2024, going over the 60 million goal that was previously set. The nationality of most international tourists were from the UK, Germany and Russia, with the amount of tourists from the UK being especially high with an increase of 16.6%. The most visited locations by these tourists were Istanbul, Ankara, Muğla and Antalya, with most preferring to come during the summer for beach vacations.
Data from neighboring countries indicate a rise in European visitors to Türkiye. For example, the country hosted over 1.1 million Romanian visitors, an increase of about 20% compared to previous years. The picturesque landmarks, medical and cosmetic procedures, and comparatively less expensive holiday alternatives compared to other well-known vacation destinations are cited as the main reason for the high level of international tourists.
Even though international tourists enthusiastically came into the country, domestic travelers were looking to get out. Extreme inflation in the country’s popular vacation destinations like Bodrum and Antalya meant that Turkish citizens could no longer afford to vacation there. The prices led to many individuals (such as those in middle to higher social status’) to travel to more affordable locations like Greece and Eastern Europe. Statistics indicate that the number of Turkish citizens traveling abroad rose by 2.9% in 2024, reaching approximately 11.4 million.
Another significant factor in the rise of tourism was Turkish citizens living abroad, who visited their home country in large numbers. This category of citizens accounted for 15.4% of total tourism and about 17% to the tourism revenue. Their large contribution to the touristic revenue was due to the advantage of the convenient exchange rates from Euro/Dollars to Turkish Lira which made their vacations more cost-effective. These individuals also had lengthier stays, averaging 1-3 weeks as they were visiting family members that they hadn’t seen in a long time.
Although the news regarding tourism were quite positive, they came at a time of negative opinions in regards to the Tourism Ministry’s handling of the fire at the Grand Kartal ski resort in Bolu, Kartalkaya. The fire on January 21st, 2025, claimed the lives of at least 76 people with others seriously injured. This caused a lot of resentment from the public due to fire equipment and safety exists being insufficient and not working, even after it was claimed that they had been checked twice (in 2021 and 2024).
This tragedy exposed many significant problems in regards to the implementation of safety regulations in hotels, with the Tourism Ministry heavily criticized for not taking proactive steps and claiming minimal accountability. Critics questioned the Ministry’s response to the event, alleging that the minister continued with personal commitments despite being informed regarding the gravity of the situation. The incident has sparked discussions about the adequacy of government oversight and hotel safety regulations.
As tourism numbers continue to rise, discussions about the sector’s sustainability have emerged. Tourism revenue is projected to exceed $63 in 2025, with major increases in visitor numbers. Competitive pricing, a blend of modern and cultural attractions, and a strong hospitality sector contribute to Türkiye’s appeal. However, addressing the high inflation which drives domestic citizens to travel abroad should also be addressed to maintain success. Strengthening hotel safety regulations has been highlighted as a key issue.
Overall, as Türkiye enters an era of immense success in it’s tourism industry, there are still factors to consider as the country moves forward. Although the industry has proven itself to be resilient through economic and social challenges, creating fair opportunities for all types of travellers (international, domestic, visiting individuals) and ensuring safe and healthy trips for all are significant areas the country must work on.
Edited by: Derya Yener, Yağmur Ece Nisanoğlu