Turkey reached a new tourism peak in 2025. The country welcomed about 63.9 million visitors. These arrivals generated $65.2 billion in tourism revenue. This performance beat previous records and official expectations. It marked a strong rebound for the country.
The Turkish Statistical Institute and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism released the data. Total visitor numbers rose by 2.7 percent compared to 2024. This total reached 63.9 million, and some reports round this to 64 million. More than 11.1 million visitors were Turkish citizens living abroad. They made up about 17.5 percent of the total. Foreign tourist arrivals numbered around 52.78 million. This was a 0.3 percent increase but helped reach the historic high.
Tourism revenue climbed 6.8 percent to $65.2 billion. This amount beat the government target. It showed the sector remains strong despite global challenges. Turkish citizens living abroad provided 18 percent of this revenue. Visitors on tour packages generated another $18.1 billion. This figure proves the value of organized travel.
The business-to-business segment played a larger role in these results. Tour operators and package deals increased both arrivals and earnings. This shift shows a plan to expand beyond individual leisure travel.
Russia remained the top source market. It sent 6.90 million visitors to Turkey during the year. The Russian Federation drove demand for coastal destinations along the Mediterranean. These visitors supported extended seasons and high occupancy rates.
Germany held second place with 6.75 million visitors. This country is a traditional source for Turkish tourism. The steady numbers show market confidence. They also prove stability in this European segment.
The United Kingdom ranked third with 4.27 million tourists. Interest from the UK has grown since 2019. Travelers now seek cultural experiences, food, and city tours. They look beyond traditional beach holidays.
Russia, Germany, and the UK show Turkey's broad appeal. The country mixes sun-and-sea options with history and food. Istanbul serves as a leading entry point. Antalya is a major Mediterranean hub. Both cities benefited from these visitors.
The results from 2025 place Turkey as a global tourism leader. Its tourism revenue rank among the highest in the world. Officials set a target of $68 billion for 2026. They expect growth in both old and new markets.
This record year proves the success of targeted promotion. Product variety and adaptability also helped. These factors kept tourism growth steady.
