Russia, Germany, UK, Iran, and Bulgaria Contribute to Türkiye’s Impressive Over 50 Million Foreign Tourist Arrivals in 2025: What You Need to Know

Published on December 22, 2025

Russia, Germany, UK, Iran, and Bulgaria have been key drivers behind Türkiye’s impressive over 50 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2025. Their continued interest in Türkiye’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and historical landmarks has solidified the country’s position as a leading global destination.

Türkiye’s tourism sector has shown resilience and growth in 2025, with the country welcoming 50.06 million foreign visitors between January and November. This figure, as reported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, represents a slight increase of 0.03% compared to the same period last year. When Turkish citizens living abroad are included, the total number of visitors rises to 58.48 million, highlighting Türkiye’s continued appeal as a top global travel destination.

One of the standout trends in this year’s tourism figures is the continued dominance of Russian visitors. Russians made up the largest group of foreign tourists, with 6.7 million arrivals between January and November, reflecting a solid 2.7% annual increase. This increase in Russian tourism is a key indicator of the strong ties between the two countries, with Türkiye consistently attracting a significant number of Russian tourists year after year. The country’s cultural richness, historical landmarks, and Mediterranean allure are just some of the factors contributing to the appeal for Russian travelers.

Germany, another key source market for Türkiye, followed closely behind with 6.5 million tourists, a 1.8% rise compared to last year. The strong presence of German tourists in Türkiye underscores the long-standing connection between the two countries, driven by the shared historical ties and Türkiye’s reputation for offering excellent holiday experiences, from city breaks to coastal getaways. On the flip side, the United Kingdom saw a slight decline of 3.8%, with 4.17 million British tourists visiting Türkiye in 2025. This marks a small decrease compared to previous years but still reflects the UK’s continued interest in Türkiye as a travel destination.

Meanwhile, tourism from Iran also experienced a downturn, with the number of Iranian visitors dropping 7.5% year-on-year, totaling 2.8 million. The drop in Iranian tourism can be attributed to various factors, including economic fluctuations and regional political tensions. Similarly, Bulgarian tourism saw a slight decrease of 5%, with 2.55 million Bulgarians visiting Türkiye during the same period. While these markets have faced challenges, Türkiye’s tourism sector continues to be resilient, with a diversified visitor base ensuring continued growth despite some regional setbacks.

One of the most promising developments in 2025 has been the surge in tourism from Latin America. Several countries in the region showed strong growth in visitor numbers, demonstrating Türkiye’s increasing appeal beyond its traditional European and Middle Eastern markets. Argentina, for instance, saw a remarkable 31% increase in arrivals, with over 71,000 Argentine tourists visiting Türkiye. This surge is reflective of the growing number of Latin Americans seeking to explore new destinations in Europe and the Middle East.

Similarly, Colombia experienced a 24% growth in tourist arrivals, contributing over 83,000 visitors. This increase signifies the growing interest from South American travelers in discovering the rich culture and history of Türkiye. Chile also saw impressive growth, with a 37% increase in arrivals, bringing approximately 33,000 Chilean visitors to Türkiye. Even Venezuela, which has faced numerous socio-political challenges, saw an 11% increase in visitors, totaling 28,200 tourists. The rise in tourism from Latin America highlights the broader appeal of Türkiye as a destination for travelers seeking new experiences, rich culture, and diverse landscapes.

Istanbul, unsurprisingly, remains the crown jewel of Türkiye’s tourism offerings, attracting a staggering 17.5 million visitors in 2025. The city, straddling two continents and offering a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity, continues to be the most visited destination in the country. Known for its iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul remains a global magnet for tourists seeking a mix of historical exploration and cosmopolitan vibrancy.

Close behind Istanbul is Antalya, Türkiye’s Mediterranean tourism hub, which attracted 15.75 million visitors this year. Known for its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and rich ancient history, Antalya is a perennial favorite among both domestic and international tourists. The city continues to shine as a top destination for sun-seekers, with its idyllic climate and clear turquoise waters offering the perfect escape for holidaymakers.

November 2025 also saw a positive trend in foreign tourist arrivals, with a 2.6% year-on-year increase, reaching 2.8 million visitors. This increase reflects the country’s ability to maintain its strong tourism performance throughout the year, despite global challenges such as the pandemic recovery, economic pressures, and fluctuating international travel conditions. With tourism numbers remaining robust, Türkiye is proving its ability to adapt to changing trends, catering to both traditional markets and emerging ones.

Türkiye’s diversified tourism offerings, from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the sun-soaked beaches of Antalya, combined with its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, ensure that it remains a top global destination. The growth in arrivals from Latin America, in particular, underscores the country’s successful efforts to expand its appeal beyond Europe and the Middle East. As the tourism sector continues to recover and thrive, Türkiye is set to maintain its place as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for years to come.

In conclusion, the tourism industry in Türkiye is experiencing positive growth, with a slight increase in foreign arrivals and a notable rise in visitors from emerging markets. The country’s diverse offerings, from vibrant cities to serene beaches and rich cultural experiences, continue to attract millions of travelers. As global tourism continues to recover, Türkiye’s ability to attract a wide range of international tourists will ensure its status as a leading destination in the years ahead.