Russia, Germany, and UK Drive Turkiye’s Record-Breaking 2024 with Over Sixty Million Visitors, Nearly Ten Ten Percent Growth, and Over Sixty Billion USD in Revenue, Boosted by India’s Nearly Twenty One Percent Surge

Published on February 10, 2025

Russia, Germany, and UK drive Turkiye’s record 2024 tourism with 60M+ visitors, 10% growth, $61B in revenue, and a 21% surge in Indian arrivals.

In 2024, Turkiye cemented its position as a global tourism leader, welcoming 62.2 million visitors—a 9.8% increase compared to the previous year and a remarkable 20.3% jump from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Tourism revenue soared to an all-time high of $61.1 billion, reflecting an 8.3% year-on-year rise, while the average visitor expenditure reached $972, emphasizing Turkiye’s strength in the premium travel market. Visitors also extended their stays to an average of 10.7 days, showcasing the country’s growing appeal for immersive and extended travel experiences.

The Indian market emerged as a standout contributor, with visitor numbers climbing by 20.7% in 2024. Key factors driving this growth include improved air connectivity, increasing demand for destination weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events, and tailored marketing campaigns. Customised experiences designed to cater to Indian preferences have further enhanced Turkiye’s allure among Indian travelers.

While Russia, Germany, and the UK remained Turkiye’s largest tourism markets, emerging regions experienced significant growth. China led the surge with a remarkable 65.1% increase in visitors, while arrivals from the USA rose by 8.1%. This diversity underscores Turkiye’s expanding global influence in the tourism sector.

Turkiye’s record-breaking achievements are backed by strategic investments in infrastructure, sustainable tourism initiatives, and diversification into areas such as luxury, medical, cultural, and MICE tourism. These efforts have propelled the country into the ranks of the world’s top five most visited destinations, far surpassing its goal of 60 million visitors for the year and solidifying its reputation as a global tourism powerhouse.