Antalya Puts Turkey On The Global Tourism Map With Top Ten World Ranking: Everything You Need To Know

Published on December 18, 2025

Antalya, Turkey, a city known for its beaches and warm weather, has made a significant leap in its tourism journey by being included in the list of the world’s top ten tourism places of Euromonitor International for the first time, ranking fifth in the 2025 edition. This award for a place mostly known for its sun and sands buries the past and opens up a new perspective on the city’s future: the gradual process of changing Antalya from a mere resort into a global player, gaining through eco-friendliness, variety, and long-term worth.

The achievement places Antalya alongside global heavyweights such as Orlando, New York, Paris and Kyoto, making it the first destination from Türkiye to break into Euromonitor’s destination-focused top tier. Tourism professionals describe the ranking as a turning point that validates years of transformation beyond volume-driven travel.

A ranking that values quality over crowds

Unlike visitor-number tables, Euromonitor’s destination index measures performance across more than 50 indicators grouped under six core categories. These include tourism infrastructure, economic contribution, employment potential, policy consistency, health and safety, and sustainability. Around 100 destinations worldwide are assessed annually.

Tourism representatives in Antalya have indicated that this methodology rewards destinations that balance growth with liveability. Rather than chasing record-breaking arrival figures, the emphasis has shifted towards preserving natural assets, improving visitor experiences and ensuring tourism benefits local communities. This change in approach has worked in Antalya’s favour, reflecting a broader rethinking of Türkiye’s tourism strategy.

Why Antalya stands out on the global stage

Antalya’s inclusion is closely linked to its rare ability to combine resort tourism with cultural depth and year-round appeal. According to information highlighted by Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (GoTürkiye), the destination offers a layered travel experience: pristine beaches, ancient cities, dramatic mountain landscapes and modern hospitality infrastructure, all within a compact geography.

The city’s international airport, one of the busiest in the Mediterranean, provides seamless access from Europe, the Middle East and beyond. Purpose-built resort zones sit alongside historic districts such as Kaleiçi, while nearby archaeological sites like Aspendos and Perge reinforce Antalya’s identity as more than a sun-and-sea destination.

Industry observers note that Antalya’s product diversity from luxury all-inclusive resorts to boutique heritage hotels, plays a crucial role in its global competitiveness. Family-friendly services, advanced tourism technology and strong environmental integration further strengthen its appeal.

Sustainability as a defining advantage

One of the most influential factors behind Antalya’s ranking is its growing commitment to sustainable tourism. Destination planners have increasingly aligned with international sustainability standards, promoting energy efficiency, waste reduction and responsible use of coastal and natural resources.

This approach mirrors the objectives outlined on Türkiye’s official tourism platforms, which emphasise protecting biodiversity while extending tourism across all seasons. In Antalya, this has translated into investments in sports tourism, congress travel, wellness retreats and cultural events, helping to reduce pressure on peak summer months.

Tourism stakeholders have suggested that visitor feedback also contributes to the evaluation process, reinforcing the importance of service quality and authentic experiences.

A resort destination among urban giants

Antalya’s presence in the top 10 is particularly striking given that it is the only resort-based destination on the list. The remaining cities are largely defined by urban tourism, pilgrimage or metropolitan experiences, such as Mecca, Dubai and Los Angeles.

This distinction underlines Antalya’s ability to compete internationally without relying on a major global city brand. Its success demonstrates that well-managed resort destinations can achieve global recognition when supported by infrastructure, policy stability and a clear long-term vision.

Türkiye’s broader tourism momentum

Euromonitor’s separate ranking of the world’s most visited cities further highlights Türkiye’s strong tourism performance. While Istanbul continues to rank among the most visited cities globally, Antalya’s rise in the destination index is viewed as more strategically significant for the future.

Experts believe it reflects a shift from volume-led tourism towards value-driven travel, positioning Türkiye as a country capable of delivering high-quality, sustainable destination experiences.

Looking ahead: Preserving Antalya’s global position

Tourism professionals have indicated that maintaining Antalya’s position will require continued focus on value-oriented tourism and sustainability-led policies. Expanding year-round travel through culture, sport and business events is seen as essential to preserving both environmental balance and economic resilience.

For tourists, the announcement of Antalya as the winner of the title confirms what most of them feel on arrival: a place where turquoise sea meets ancient ruins, where modern amenities and nature get along, and where vacations are both luxurious and significant. The global trend of travellers looking for places that provide depth along with relaxation is one of the reasons why Antalya’s ranking among the best tourist spots in the world is not only deserved but also timely.