Turkey Achieves Historic Tourism Success at the Start of 202
Over 8.8 Million Tourists and Nearly $10 Billion in Revenue in Just Three Months
Turkey recorded remarkable tourism results in the first three months of 2025, exceeding all expectations. According to official data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the country welcomed 8,844,000 tourists, generating an impressive $9.5 billion in tourism revenue. This quarterly performance marks the highest first-quarter result in the history of Turkish tourism.
Ambitious Goals for the Entire Year
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated that Turkey is on track to meet its 2025 goals – 65 million international visitors and $64 billion in revenue. These targets follow a highly successful 2024, during which the country received a record 62.2 million foreign tourists. According to UN Tourism data, Turkey maintained its position as the fourth most visited destination in the world.
Find the latest news from the world of travel here.
Steady Growth and Optimism for the Upcoming Season
A 5.6% increase in revenue compared to the same period last year confirms the steady rise of Turkey’s tourism sector. Minister Ersoy emphasized that March results and positive projections for April and the months ahead strengthen confidence that the annual targets will be reached. This upward trend is supported by well-developed infrastructure, a diverse tourism offering, and strategic planning that encourages sustainable growth.
Who’s Visiting Turkey Early in the Year?
In the first quarter of 2025, the largest number of visitors came from Iran, with 733,000 arrivals. Russia followed with 601,000 tourists, while Germany accounted for 572,000 visits. Bulgaria saw 560,000 arrivals, and the United Kingdom contributed 304,000 travelers. The average length of stay was 11 nights, with spending estimated at $98.90 per night.
Turkey’s Position as a Global Tourism Leader
These impressive figures confirm that Turkey is not just a temporary favorite but is steadily establishing itself as a global leader in the tourism industry. Through comprehensive promotion, investments in safety, and the development of innovative travel programs, the country is successfully attracting tourists year-round, not just during the summer months.
Follow us on our Facebook and Instagram pages to stay updated with the latest tourism news.
