Türkiye targets $70 billion in tourism revenue for 2027

Turkey

The government plans to increase tourism development funding to $244.5 million as it seeks to strengthen the country's position among the world's leading tourism destinations

Türkiye has set a tourism revenue target of $70 billion for 2027 as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its position in the global travel industry. According to the draft central government budget and the country's Medium-Term Program, tourism development funding is expected to increase to $244.5 million, compared with $188.4 million in 2026. The additional resources are intended to support the sector's continued development and international competitiveness.

The new targets follow a record performance in 2025, when Türkiye generated $65.2 billion in tourism revenue. However, geopolitical uncertainty has affected expectations for the current year. The government reduced its original 2026 revenue target from $68 billion to $65 billion, citing the continuing war between Russia and Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East. These developments have created additional challenges for a tourism industry that depends heavily on international travel demand.

Despite the revised short-term outlook, Ankara is maintaining ambitious medium-term objectives. Tourism revenue is projected to reach $73.5 billion in 2028 and $78.5 billion in 2029. The government also aims to improve Türkiye's position in international tourism rankings, with the country expected to become the world's sixth-largest tourism market by revenue in 2027. The projections reflect the authorities' intention to combine higher tourism earnings with continued investment in the sector.

Tourism revenue targets rise through 2029

The planned increase in tourism development funding represents a substantial expansion of the resources allocated to the sector. The proposed $244.5 million budget for 2027 is approximately 30% higher than the $188.4 million allocated for 2026.

The funding increase comes as Türkiye seeks to maintain its international market position while improving tourism revenues. The country's medium-term projections envisage an increase of $5 billion between the revised 2026 target and the 2027 objective.

Further growth is anticipated in subsequent years. The government expects tourism earnings to rise to $73.5 billion in 2028 before reaching $78.5 billion in 2029. If achieved, the final target would represent an increase of more than 20% compared with the record revenue reported for 2025.

These figures are government projections rather than confirmed results. Their achievement will depend on international demand, economic conditions and geopolitical developments affecting important source markets.

The downward revision of the 2026 target illustrates the sector's exposure to external risks. The war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East remain important factors in Türkiye's tourism outlook, particularly given the country's geographic position and its connections with markets across Europe, Asia and the wider region.

Türkiye aims to climb global tourism rankings

Alongside its revenue objectives, Türkiye is seeking to improve its standing among the world's leading tourism economies.

Based on international tourism revenue data from the World Tourism Organization, the government expects the country to rank seventh globally in 2026 before advancing to sixth place in 2027.

A further improvement to fifth position is projected for 2028, provided the planned revenue growth materialises and Türkiye's performance relative to competing destinations supports that ranking.

The country has already made substantial progress over recent years. Since 2017, Türkiye has moved from 15th to seventh place in international tourism revenue rankings, according to the figures cited in the government's planning documents.

Its position in international tourist arrivals has also improved, rising from eighth to fourth place over the same period.

The government expects Türkiye to maintain fourth position in international arrivals throughout the 2027–2029 planning period. This would preserve its standing among the world's most visited destinations while the authorities pursue higher tourism earnings.

The distinction between visitor numbers and tourism revenue is particularly important. A country can attract large volumes of international tourists without necessarily achieving the same position in revenue rankings. Türkiye's targets therefore place increasing emphasis on the economic contribution of tourism alongside overall arrival volumes.

Competitiveness becomes another priority

The government's strategy also includes objectives beyond visitor arrivals and tourism receipts.

Türkiye aims to improve its position in the World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Development Index, which assesses the conditions supporting sustainable and competitive tourism development.

The country is projected to occupy 36th place in the index for 2025. Under the Medium-Term Program, the government is targeting 35th position in 2027, followed by 34th in 2028 and 33rd in 2029.

Unlike rankings based solely on arrivals or tourism receipts, the index examines a broader range of factors influencing the travel and tourism sector. These include infrastructure, the business environment, tourism resources and conditions supporting long-term development.

Improving the country's position would therefore require progress across several areas of tourism competitiveness rather than growth in passenger volumes alone.

For international travel companies, the targets underline Türkiye's intention to remain a major destination for leisure travel while strengthening its economic performance and tourism infrastructure.

The country already combines established Mediterranean and Aegean holiday regions with cultural destinations, major cities and a wide range of specialist tourism products. Its international market position gives it a substantial foundation from which to pursue further growth.

The government's latest projections nevertheless remain dependent on conditions beyond the tourism industry's direct control. The reduction of the 2026 revenue target demonstrates how geopolitical developments can influence even established destinations.

With higher development funding planned for 2027 and revenue targets extending to 2029, Türkiye is setting out a strategy focused not only on attracting visitors but also on increasing the economic value and international competitiveness of its tourism sector.