Turkey, one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world, welcomed 56.7 million international tourists in 2023, an increase of 10% compared to the previous year.
Almost one million Romanians were on vacation in Turkey in 2023
As announced by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the country's tourism revenue increased by 17% compared to 2022 and reached up to 54.3 billion dollars, and the average spending for one night of accommodation for visitors was 99 of dollars. The number of international tourists and tourism revenues are announced as record figures for the country.
999,005 Romanians were on vacation in Turkey
According to the Authority for the Promotion and Development of Tourism in Turkey (TGA), the number of Romanian tourists who visited Turkey in 2023 increased by 11.67% compared to the number of those registered by the authority in 2022. In 2023, Turkey hosted 999,005 Romanians and in 2022 their number was 886,555.
At the same time, among the most important regions in Turkey, Romanian tourists preferred to travel in 2023 to Istanbul or to spend a stay either in Antalya or Mugla (Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye). If we talk about the previously mentioned regions, the number of Romanian tourists increased in 2023 compared to 2022 as follows:
Antalya (+21.08% vs. 2022)
2023: 354,220
2022: 292,544
Istanbul (+18.94% interval January – November vs 2022)
2023: 177,412
2022: 149,167
Mugla (+10.17% Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye vs 2022)
2023: 24,288
2022: 22,045
Turkey, among Europe's favorite destinations for culture, art, gastronomy, cycling and religious tourism, in addition to holidays in the sea, sand and sun, experienced a record year in 2023. The country is set to attract 60 million tourists and to generate tourism revenues of USD 60 billion by the end of 2024. Prioritizing market diversity in its tourism strategies, Turkey will continue its activities in its current strategic markets while also focusing on other new target markets in 2024.
The first country to sign the sustainability protocol
Behind Turkey's tourism success is a strategic and forward-looking policy dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for visitors. The country has transformed the tourism sector into a more resilient and inclusive structure with responsible and sustainable policies. Turkey has become the first country in the world to reach an agreement with the “Global Sustainable Tourism Council” (GSTC) at the governmental level in 2022 and also to implement it. Turkey's Sustainable Tourism Program, which results from a cooperation agreement signed with GSTC, rewards current practitioners of sustainable tourism and builds trust and credibility among visitors. Through this program, Turkey provides diversified experiences, including cycling and hiking routes, designed to include new cultural and historical attractions in the tourist circuit.
Turkey: a versatile destination all year round
Renowned for its unique geographical location, surrounded by seas on three sides, and rich history, Turkey boasts versatile landscapes for year-round travel. The country is taking bold steps to showcase its tourism assets to the world and is gaining significant attention from visitors through its extraordinary diversity of products, including great city breaks, sporting activities, international events and festivals.
However, Turkey's tourism offerings are not limited to its popular destinations. The activity extends beyond its well-known landmarks. Turkey, committed to preserving these precious historical vestiges to ensure the sustainability of the cultural heritage, carries out numerous archaeological excavation and restoration projects. As a pioneer in this field, Turkey increased its archaeological projects to a total of 720 in 2023. Projects are expected to reach 750 in 2024, strengthening its leadership position in heritage conservation cultural. What's more, the country delights visitors by lighting up its popular archaeological sites for nighttime visits, turning these historical treasures into breathtaking spectacles under the evening sky. These sites, such as Ephesus in İzmir, Hierapolis in Denizli, Patara and Side in Antalya, not only showcase Turkey's historical heritage, but also offer visitors a unique opportunity for a more intimate and magical connection with the country's rich cultural heritage.
