Türkiye Sees Strong Growth in Tourism Spending with Over Thirty Billion Dollars in Card Payments in 2025, Spurred by an Over Twenty Percent Jump in Hotel Accommodation and Booming Digital Travel Services

Published on December 12, 2025

In 2025, Türkiye’s tourism sector experienced significant growth, with over thirty billion dollars in card-based spending, reflecting a robust recovery and strong demand. This surge was largely driven by a remarkable over twenty percent increase in hotel accommodation spending, underscoring the country’s enduring appeal as a top travel destination. Additionally, the booming digital travel services sector, which saw a rise of 15.6%, further fueled this growth, highlighting the growing preference for cashless and online travel solutions. These trends demonstrate Türkiye’s continued success in adapting to evolving consumer behavior, positioning it as a leader in the global tourism market.

In 2025, Türkiye’s tourism sector reached a historic milestone, surpassing expectations with over thirty billion dollars in card-based spending during the first ten months of the year. This impressive figure marks a significant 14.1% increase compared to the previous year, showcasing the resilience and growing demand for travel in Türkiye. According to the Interbank Card Center (BKM), which tracks and reports card payment data, the figures provide valuable insight into the shifting dynamics of how tourists are paying for their travel experiences.

Record-Breaking Growth in Hotel Accommodation Spending

Among the key sectors contributing to this growth, hotel accommodation emerged as the standout performer, with spending reaching over ten billion dollars. This marked a robust 22% year-over-year increase, indicating that Türkiye’s hotels remain an attractive choice for travelers. As more visitors opt for card payments to secure their stays, hotels have solidified their position as a dominant player in the country’s tourism landscape.

The growing trend of using cards for hotel bookings reflects a shift in consumer behavior, as more tourists prefer the convenience of digital payments when making travel arrangements. This trend is further accelerated by the increasing global reliance on cashless transactions, making card-based payments an essential part of the tourism experience in Türkiye.

Decline in Air Ticket Spending

In contrast to the remarkable growth in accommodation spending, air ticket spending showed a slight decline, dropping by 3% year-over-year. Total spending in this category reached approximately 7.8 billion dollars, which, while still significant, signals a possible shift in how tourists are planning their travel. As more travelers take advantage of online booking platforms and low-cost carriers, the proportion of spending allocated to air tickets has reduced slightly. However, air travel remains a crucial part of the tourism ecosystem, and its importance cannot be underestimated.

The decline in air ticket spending may also be influenced by factors such as the increasing preference for budget travel options and the expansion of alternative transportation methods within Türkiye. Additionally, the rise of digital travel services, which provide flexible and cost-effective solutions for travelers, could be diverting some of the funds that would typically go towards traditional airline tickets.

Surge in Digital Travel Services

Perhaps the most notable shift in Türkiye’s tourism spending is the explosive growth in online tourism services, which rose by 15.6% to reach over fifteen billion dollars. This category includes a wide range of digital services such as hotel bookings, flight reservations, car rentals, and guided tours. As the world continues to embrace the digital age, more and more travelers are turning to online platforms to plan and book their trips, bypassing traditional brick-and-mortar travel agencies.

The rise in digital travel services is also a testament to the growing sophistication of the tourism market in Türkiye. With a significant portion of tourism transactions now occurring online, it’s clear that the convenience and accessibility of digital platforms are driving increased spending. The trend is particularly evident in Türkiye, a country with a vibrant tourism market that has long been a popular destination for travelers from all over the world.

This shift towards online travel services highlights the importance of having a strong digital presence for businesses in the tourism sector. Hoteliers, tour operators, and transportation companies alike are investing in user-friendly websites and mobile applications to capture the growing demand for online bookings. As digital platforms continue to gain ground, it is expected that their influence will only increase in the coming years.

The Rise of Cashless Transactions in Türkiye’s Tourism Industry

The increasing prominence of card payments in Türkiye’s tourism industry reflects broader global trends in the travel sector. As consumers become more comfortable with cashless transactions, there is a growing demand for seamless, secure, and efficient payment options. For tourists visiting Türkiye, card-based payments offer a convenient way to manage expenses while ensuring the safety of their funds.

BKM’s report also underscores the significant role of domestic and foreign cards in driving tourism-related spending. Whether through credit cards, debit cards, or digital wallets, the reliance on cashless transactions has become a key feature of the modern tourism experience.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Tourism in Türkiye

With over thirty billion dollars in tourism spending through cards, Türkiye has proven that its tourism industry is not only recovering but thriving. The increase in hotel accommodation spending, coupled with the rise in digital travel services, paints a positive picture for the country’s tourism sector.

Türkiye’s tourism spending surged to over thirty billion dollars in 2025, driven by a significant over twenty percent increase in hotel accommodation and a booming digital travel services sector. This growth highlights the rising preference for cashless payments and online booking solutions in the tourism market.

As more international travelers discover the wonders of Türkiye, the country’s tourism market is expected to continue its upward trajectory. With digital platforms playing an increasingly important role and tourists opting for convenient, cashless payment methods, the future of Türkiye’s tourism sector looks bright. As businesses adapt to these changing trends, Türkiye will remain a key player in the global tourism market, attracting visitors from across the world who are eager to experience its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.