Turkiye sees 9.8% growth in 2024 tourism, Indian visitors rise 20.7 pc, ET TravelWorld

Turkiye has solidified its status as a global tourism powerhouse in 2024, recording a total of 62.2 million visitors, marking a 9.8 per cent year-on-year increase. This represents a 20.3 per cent rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Tourism revenue reached a record high of 61.1 billion USD, reflecting an 8.3 per cent increase from the previous year. The average visitor spend reached USD 972, underlining Turkiye’s strong positioning in the premium travel sector. The average stay was extended to 10.7 days, highlighting the country’s appeal for longer, immersive experiences.

The Indian market emerged as a significant growth driver, with a 20.7 per cent increase in visitors in 2024. Key factors include enhanced air connectivity, growing interest in Indian weddings and MICE events, and targeted marketing strategies. Turkiye’s appeal to Indian travellers has also been bolstered by the introduction of specialised experiences tailored to local preferences.

While Russia, Germany, and the UK remain Turkiye’s top source markets, other emerging regions such as China saw a dramatic 65.1 per cent increase in visitors, and the USA saw an 8.1 per cent rise. Turkiye’s success in attracting a diverse range of international visitors is reflective of its growing global tourism footprint.

Turkiye’s thriving tourism industry has been supported by investments in infrastructure, sustainable tourism, and diversification into sectors like MICE, luxury, medical, and cultural tourism. This year, Turkiye further solidified its place among the world’s top five most visited destinations, clearly surpassing its target of 60 million visitors and exceeding expectations.