Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced on Haberturk TV that Türkiye’s tourism industry is aiming to rise further in global tourism rankings, declaring that the country is now in the “super league” of tourism.
Ersoy outlined Türkiye’s tourism goals, including a revenue target of $60 billion for this year and aspirations to reach the top three in world tourism rankings.
Last year, Türkiye ranked fifth globally, and this year the nation is set to close in fourth place. “Our goal is to secure a spot among the top three,” Ersoy said, expressing optimism that Türkiye will continue to build on this momentum annually.
Expanding in new markets: Record numbers from US, China and South Korea
Ersoy noted remarkable growth in tourism numbers from markets like the United States, China and South Korea. Last year, Türkiye welcomed over one million American tourists, a number expected to exceed 1.5 million this year. Similarly, visitor numbers from China and South Korea have grown substantially.
“Our anticipated numbers from these markets are materializing. Last year, we received around 280,000 visitors from China, and this year we expect that figure to approach 600,000,” Ersoy added.
The Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) has been instrumental in marketing Türkiye abroad, conducting 179 campaigns in collaboration with airlines and tour operators in 39 countries. TGA has also established partnerships with 15 digital travel channels, reaching 30 countries.
Beyond Antalya: Broadening Türkiye’s appeal with diverse destinations
Türkiye is working to showcase more regions beyond the Mediterranean tourism hub of Antalya.
“We’re now bringing the Aegean, Eastern Anatolia, and the Black Sea into the spotlight. Cappadocia and other cultural heritage sites make Türkiye unrivaled in this field,” Ersoy stated, adding that the goal is to extend tourism activities across all 12 months of the year, leveraging the country’s rich historical and cultural resources.
Developing Istanbul’s cultural landscape: Major projects at Haydarpasa and Sirkeci Stations
Ersoy provided insights into ongoing development projects at Istanbul’s historic Haydarpasa and Sirkeci train stations, aimed at transforming the sites into significant cultural and tourism hubs. The Haydarpasa site will include an “Archaeopark” and a new Kalkhedon Archaeology Museum, alongside a Performance Arts Center and a central “millet bahcesi,” or public garden, similar to the one at Istanbul’s Rami Barracks.
Sirkeci Station, historically significant as the departure point for Turkish workers migrating to Europe, will be partially transformed into a Migration Museum. Additionally, the Kazlicesme-Sirkeci line will operate a nostalgic train service, preserving a key heritage site and offering a unique cultural attraction.
Preserving and showcasing archaeological heritage
Minister Ersoy emphasized that archaeological excavations are being conducted year-round, leading to significant new discoveries.
Türkiye aims to continue expanding its archaeological efforts to highlight its cultural heritage and bring even more historic artifacts to light.
Tourism as key economic driver and social unifier
Ersoy underscored the vital role of tourism as an economic asset, calling for inclusive perspectives on the value of international visitors. He urged against the spread of negative sentiments toward tourists, particularly on social media, noting that tourists are essential ambassadors for Türkiye’s global reputation.
“Every tourist holds economic value, and they are the best ambassadors of our country on the world stage,” he emphasized.
With its diverse cultural offerings, Türkiye is positioning itself as a premier destination not only for traditional tourism but also for high-profile cultural events, such as hosting environments similar to the Venice Biennale.
