Turkey is a beautiful country that boasts of rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and a diverse range of experiences. Over the years, Turkey has emerged as one of the top tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year.
But how much does Turkey really earn from tourism? Let’s take a closer look.
The Importance of Tourism in Turkey
Tourism plays a vital role in the Turkish economy, accounting for around 12% of the country’s GDP. It also provides employment to over 2 million people directly and indirectly. The Turkish government has been actively promoting tourism and investing in infrastructure development to attract more visitors.
Turkey’s Tourist Arrivals
In recent years, Turkey has witnessed a significant increase in tourist arrivals. According to data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Turkey welcomed over 51 million visitors in 2019, generating approximately $34.5 billion in revenue.
Top Tourist Markets for Turkey
- Russia: In 2019, Russians made up the largest number of tourists visiting Turkey with over 7 million arrivals.
- Germany: Germans were the second-largest group with over 5 million tourists.
- UK: Around 2.5 million Britons visited Turkey in 2019.
- Bulgaria: Over 2 million Bulgarian tourists visited Turkey in 2019.
Turkey’s Tourism Revenue
Tourism is one of the most significant sources of foreign exchange earnings for Turkey. According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), tourism revenue reached $29.5 billion in 2018, making it the third-largest sector contributing to export revenues after automotive and textile industries.
Tourism Revenue by Category
- Accommodation: Accommodation was the largest contributor to tourism revenue, accounting for 35% of the total revenue.
- Food and Beverage: Food and beverage services contributed 25% to the total revenue.
- Transportation: Transportation services generated 16% of the total tourism revenue.
- Shopping: Shopping activities accounted for 10% of the total tourism revenue.
Turkey’s Future Plans for Tourism
The Turkish government is committed to making Turkey a top tourist destination in the world. It has set ambitious Targets to attract over 75 million visitors by 2023, which marks the centenary of the Republic of Turkey. The government is also investing in infrastructure development, including new airports, highways, and hotels.
New Tourist Attractions
Turkey is also developing new tourist attractions to diversify its offerings. Some notable projects include:
- Kanal Istanbul: A mega-project that aims to build a new waterway connecting the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea.
- The Istanbul International Financial Center (IIFC): A financial hub that will include offices, residential areas, shopping malls, and hotels.
- The Istanbul New Airport: One of the largest airports in the world that will serve as a major aviation hub connecting Europe with Asia and Africa.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tourism is an essential sector for Turkey’s economy. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and diverse experiences, Turkey has become one of the top tourist destinations globally.
The country has set ambitious Targets to attract more visitors and generate higher revenues from tourism in the coming years. With continued investments in infrastructure development and new tourist attractions, Turkey is poised to become a top global tourism destination.