The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) research reveals that global travel and tourism sector suffered a loss of almost US$4.5 trillion in 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19 (WTTC). Turkey, a key player in global tourism, was significantly impacted.
Tourism accounts for 12% of Turkey’s GDP and employs approximately 1.5 million people, making it a critical driver of economic stability. In 2020, foreign visitors dropped by 71.7% year-on-year to 12.7 million, and revenues plummeted by 65.1% to $12.06 billion from $34.5 billion in 2019. However, government initiatives, including financial assistance and health and safety measures, have helped the industry bounce back.
By the first nine months of 2024, Turkey’s tourism revenue reached $46.9 billion, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous year (Tourism Review). In the first 11 months of 2024, over 50 million foreign tourists visited the country – a 7.1% increase from 2023. Including Turkish citizens residing abroad, the total number of visitors reached 57.36 million. Notably, Russian tourists made up a significant portion of arrivals, followed by German visitors (Hürriyet Daily News).
According to Müberra Eresin, president of the Hotel Association of Türkiye (TÜROB), hotel occupancy in Türkiye reached 62.7 percent from January to October 2024, up from 59.5 percent the previous year, while the average daily rate (ADR) experienced a decline. Early bookings for 2025 suggest this upward trend will continue, reinforcing Turkey’s position as a top global travel destination (Hürriyet Daily News).
As the owner of Bodrum Marina – one of Turkey’s most stunning coastal destinations – and someone with business interests in the Turkish tourism sector, I remain optimistic about its future. The government’s continued focus on infrastructure development, medical tourism and expanding domestic flight routes is set to further enhance growth. With ongoing investment from both the public and private sectors, Turkey’s tourism industry is poised for sustained success, strengthening its economy and global appeal.
