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Türkiye’s travel and tourism sector is poised to reach a groundbreaking value of ₺5.2TN this year, according to the latest report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). This marks a significant milestone, reaffirming Turkey’s position as a top global destination and a key driver of national growth.
In 2025, travel and tourism is expected to account for around 12 per cent of Türkiye's GDP, with an increase of more than ₺200BN compared to last year. Both international and domestic travellers are contributing to this growth; international visitors are projected to spend approximately ₺2.6TN, highlighting Türkiye’s expanding global appeal. Meanwhile, local residents are expected to inject another ₺1.4TN into the economy through domestic tourism.
The sector is also a major employer. It is forecast to support around 3.3 million jobs across the country — over 10 per cent of the national workforce — spanning hospitality, transport, food services, and cultural sectors, creating lasting employment opportunities for millions.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said, “Travel & Tourism in Türkiye continues to grow at pace and is reaching record numbers. As travellers seek authentic, enriching experiences, Türkiye is delivering with open arms, offering travellers a world-class experience.”
Recap 2024
In 2024, Türkiye’s travel industry contributed roughly ₺5TN to the economy, representing nearly 12 per cent of GDP, and supported about 3.2 million jobs. International visitor expenditure was around ₺2.5TN, just slightly below the previous year, while domestic travel contributed an additional ₺1.3TN.
Simpson added, “2025 is on track to be a record year for Türkiye's Travel & Tourism sector, but success can never be taken for granted. While the country made great strides in 2024, international visitor spending did see a slight decline. In a competitive global market, Türkiye must continue to innovate and invest to retain its world-leading position.”
Chairman of the Board and WTTC Member, Ayhan Bektas, said, “We are proud to be part of Türkiye’s tourism story and to contribute to a sector that supports millions of jobs and delivers real value to the national economy.
“The partnership between the private sector and government has helped make Türkiye one of the world’s most dynamic travel destinations — and we look forward to continuing that success together. We will continue our efforts to support Türkiye’s rise.”
WTTC forecasts suggest the sector will continue its impressive growth through to 2035. Travel & Tourism is expected to contribute approximately ₺7TN, nearly 13 per cent of the GDP. Employment is projected to reach 3.8 million, with over half a million new jobs created over the next decade. Both international and domestic tourism are expected to expand steadily.
