Turkey saw a 17% rise in UK tourists in 2024, fueling record tourism growth and revenue gains for the country.
Turkey’s tourism industry flourished in 2024, with a 17% rise in British tourists contributing to a 9% increase in overall visitors, totaling 49.2 million. This growth drove a 7% boost in revenue, reaching £38.7 billion, with top destinations like İstanbul and Antalya drawing global travelers. Cultural tourism also surged, with nearly 14 million people visiting historical sites, reinforcing Turkey’s status as a premier destination.
Turkey Experiences Record-Breaking Surge in UK Tourism in 2024
*Fethiye, Turkey —* Turkey has seen a record influx of British tourists in 2024, with 3.7 million UK travelers visiting in the first nine months, marking a notable 17% increase over the previous year. The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism revealed that nearly 1.8 million British tourists arrived in the first half of the year alone, drawn to Turkey’s vibrant cities, ancient landmarks, and scenic Mediterranean coastline.
In announcing these figures, Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy reported that, from January to September, Turkey welcomed 49.2 million international visitors, a 9% rise from the same period in 2023. This increase in arrivals pushed tourism revenues up by 7% to £38.7 billion, with average daily spending per visitor reaching £88. The ministry has now raised Turkey’s year-end target to 61 million visitors, anticipating unprecedented growth across major markets.
Turkey’s top tourism sources, the UK, Russia, and Germany, all recorded strong gains, with the UK leading at 17% growth, followed by a 6% increase in both Russia and Germany. Exceptional growth was also seen from China, with 312,000 Chinese visitors arriving in Turkey, an 84% rise from last year. Popular tourist destinations such as İstanbul, Antalya, İzmir, and Muğla attracted visitors in record numbers, drawn by Turkey’s unique combination of urban experiences, natural beauty, and cultural landmarks.
İstanbul, the country’s historical and cultural hub, welcomed more than 14 million international visitors, experiencing 7% growth this year. Key sites such as the Historic Peninsula, Taksim Square, and the Bosphorus continue to attract a diverse global audience. Meanwhile, Antalya, often called Turkey’s “tourism capital,” received over 13.3 million visitors, reinforcing its position as a Mediterranean tourism hotspot.
Cultural tourism has seen significant growth as well, with nearly 14 million people visiting Turkey’s museums and historic sites in the first half of 2024, reflecting a 12% increase. Iconic landmarks, including Ephesus, the Mevlana Museum, Hierapolis, and Cappadocia, continue to captivate tourists from around the world, spotlighting Turkey’s rich historical heritage.
With robust increases in tourism across key regions, Turkey is positioning itself as a premier global destination, supported by its blend of cultural treasures, natural beauty, and renowned hospitality.
