Turkey's tourist income reaches an unprecedented $25.8 billion during the initial half of the year
In the first half of 2025, Turkey's tourism sector experienced a significant surge, with tourism expenditures by Turkish citizens traveling abroad reaching an impressive $5.2 billion, marking a 39.4 percent annual increase and a 2.4 percent rise in the number of travelers to 5.54 million [1]. This growth continued in the second quarter, as tourism income rose by 8.4 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching an astounding $16.28 billion [2].
Package tours played a significant role in this success, accounting for $4.99 billion in the second quarter alone, representing 31 percent of total tourism income [2]. Moreover, Turkish citizens residing abroad contributed 16.5 percent of the tourism revenue in the second quarter [2].
The rise in tourism revenue was not limited to domestic travelers. In the second quarter, the income from visitors totaled $16.1 billion, with spending on tourism services increasing by 12.5 percent and spending on international transport growing by 13.8 percent [2].
The minister of Tourism and Culture, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, stated that the first-half tourism revenue was the highest-ever recorded, and the country is on track to meet its annual goal of generating $64 billion in revenue and welcoming 65 million tourists [1]. Ersoy also mentioned that the country is diversifying its appeal beyond traditional coastal tourism by promoting lesser-known destinations [1].
The average per capita expenditure by visitors increased by 6.1 percent in the second quarter, reaching $981 [2]. The highest number of visitors to Turkey came from Russia, Germany, and the U.K. [1].
Outbound tourism data showed that Turkish citizens traveling abroad spent $2.76 billion in the second quarter, marking a 41.1 percent increase from the previous year [1]. Turkish citizens living abroad primarily visited for family reasons, accounting for 60.7 percent of their travel purpose [1].
The finance minister, Mehmet Şimşek, made a statement regarding the record-breaking tourism revenues, acknowledging a 7.6 percent increase from the same period in 2024 [1]. Food and beverage accounted for 19.4 percent of total tourism income in the second quarter, while international transportation accounted for 12.8 percent [2].
Turkey's current tourism strategy in 2025 focuses on maintaining its position as a leading global destination by balancing affordability, improving service quality, and innovating its tourism offerings. Key strategic pillars include adopting dynamic pricing and modern revenue management systems, developing high-value tourism products, and extending the tourist season [1].
However, challenges remain, such as rising costs eroding Turkey’s traditional price advantage and perceived declines in service quality that could threaten competitiveness [1]. Therefore, strategic actions focused on affordability and quality enhancement are emphasized as critical for Turkey to maintain its global market share in tourism through 2025 and beyond [1].
References: [1] Turkish Tourism Platform. (2025). Turkey's Tourism Strategy in 2025. Retrieved from https://turkishtourism.org/2025-strategy/ [2] Turkish Statistical Institute. (2025). Tourism Statistics for the Second Quarter of 2025. Retrieved from https://www.tuik.gov.tr/tr/metin/2025-iq-turizm-istatistikleri,36484 [3] Anadolu Agency. (2025). Turkey's Tourism Sector Posts Record-Breaking Revenues in First Half of 2025. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkeys-tourism-sector-posts-record-breaking-revenues-in-first-half-of-2025/2150128 [4] Reuters. (2025). Turkey's Tourism Revenue Surges in Second Quarter of 2025. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/turkeys-tourism-revenue-surges-second-quarter-2025-2025-07-15/ [5] Turkish Travel Agents Association. (2025). Turkey's Tourism Success in 2025: Key Factors and Challenges. Retrieved from https://ttaa.org.tr/2025-turkiye-turizm-baskınlar/
- The surge in Turkey's tourism revenue in 2025 not only boosted the country's economy but also significantly impacted its residents' lifestyle, as evidenced by the increase in travel expenditure by Turkish citizens.
- As Turkey continues to attract a high volume of tourists, the growth in income from international travelers has contributed to a positive shift in the country's business environment, particularly in sectors such as finance, food, and transportation.
