Categories: Travel

Turkiye welcomes 56.7 million international visitors in 2023, with a 10% increase year-on-year, ET TravelWorld

(Picture credits: Turkiye Tourism Board)

Turkiye, renowned as one of the world’s premier tourism destinations, concluded 2023 with remarkable achievements, welcoming a staggering 56.7 million international visitors, marking a 10 per cent increase from the previous year. The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism revealed that the country’s tourism income surged by 17 per cent year-on-year to reach USD 54.3 billion, with an average expenditure per night for overnight visitors hitting USD 99. These figures signify Türkiye’s record-breaking performance in international tourism.

In 2023, Türkiye solidified its position as a top destination in Europe for cultural, artistic, gastronomic, and religious tourism, alongside its renowned sea, sand, and sun holiday offerings. The country’s ambitious trajectory aims to attract 60 million tourists and generate USD 60 billion in tourism income by 2024. To achieve this, Türkiye is committed to diversifying its market strategies, maintaining its presence in existing strategic markets, and targeting new markets in the upcoming year.

Türkiye’s tourism success is underpinned by its proactive and forward-thinking approach to sustainability. The country has implemented responsible and sustainable policies to enhance the resilience and inclusivity of its tourism sector. Notably, Türkiye became the first country globally to sign an agreement with the “Global Sustainable Tourism Council” (GSTC) at a government level in 2022.

Singapore received 1.1 million tourists from India last year as the city state’s top dollar-earning sector recorded a 115 per cent increase in the number of visitors in 2023 at 13.6 million from 6.3 million during the COVID-hit 2022, said a media report on Thursday. The number of tourists in 2023 met the Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) forecast of between 12 million and 14 million visitors.

This agreement, operationalised through the Türkiye Sustainable Tourism Program, recognises and rewards sustainable tourism practices, fostering credibility and trust among visitors. Through initiatives such as eco-friendly accommodations, cycling tours, and trekking adventures, Türkiye aims to offer diverse and sustainable experiences that forge a deeper connection between its heritage and visitors.In 2023, Türkiye initiated 720 archaeological projects, a number expected to rise to 750 in 2024. These projects not only safeguard cultural treasures but also illuminate historical sites for enchanting night visits. Iconic sites like Ephesus in İzmir, Hierapolis in Denizli, and Patara and Side in Antalya offer visitors an intimate and magical connection with Türkiye’s cultural heritage.