Tourism on track to contribute $135B to Turkish economy in 2025

This is supposed to cement the country’s status as one of the world's most popular and most resilient destinations.

Sun-drenched coastlines, timeless archaeological treasures and a unique cultural mosaic where Europe meets Asia have propelled Türkiye’s tourism sector to record heights.

This year, it’s on track to contribute an estimated TL 5.2 trillion (about $135.35 billion) to the national economy, roughly 12% of gross domestic product (GDP), according to data from the WTTC.

In a fresh report, the WTTC projected sectoral growth at more than $5.2 billion above last year’s levels, with its CEO, Julia Simpson, praising Turkey's strategic approach to promoting tourism.

The WTTC study forecasts that both local and foreign tourists will contribute to this growth. Foreign visitor spending is projected to reach nearly $67.7 billion in 2025, reflecting Turkey's rising popularity on the global stage. Meanwhile, domestic visitor expenditure is expected to hit $36.5 billion, highlighting the country's vibrant internal tourism market.

The report also anticipates that the travel and tourism industry will support 3.3 million jobs across Turkey this year, accounting for more than 10% of all employment. From food services and cultural events to transportation and hospitality, the sector is generating long-term opportunities for millions of Turkish citizens.