Türkiye achieved its best tourism year on record in 2024, welcoming 62.2 million visitors and generating $61.1 billion in revenue. This marks a 9.8% increase in visitor numbers year-over-year and 20.3% rise compared to 2019. Surpassing its own expectations, Türkiye exceeded both the 60 million and 61 million visitor milestones. Tourism revenue also increased by 8.3% from previous year.
Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia remained key source markets, while emerging markets saw notable growth. Arrivals from the United States rose by 8.1%, from China by an impressive 65.1%, and from India by 20.7%. Russia, Germany and the United Kingdom continued to be the top three source countries.
On average, international visitors stayed 10.7 days and spent $972 per person. Hungary also recorded significant growth, with 252,066 Hungarian tourists visiting Türkiye in 2024 – an increase of 13.38% compared to 2023.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Türkiye ranked among the world’s top five most-visited destinations in 2023.
This report was prepared by TGA (Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency) in collaboration with HotelPremio Group.
Photos by TGA and HotelPremio Group
UNWTO Became “UN Tourism” to Mark a New Era for Global Sector
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has entered a new era with a new name and brand: UN Tourism, effective from January 2024, as announced by Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.
Headquartered in Madrid, Spain, the organization reaffirms its role as the United Nations’ specialized agency for tourism and the world leader in tourism-driven development, fostering social and economic progress while keeping ‘people and planet’ at the forefront.
The rebranding introduces a new visual identity, starting with its symbol. The tagline “Bringing the world closer” embodies the concept of a Pangea, forming a human figure in motion, signifying the dynamism of tourism and a people-centric approach. With 160 Member States and hundreds of private sector affiliates, UN Tourism’s mission revolves around three core messages: the UN as a global, altruistic entity; tourism as a catalyst for human connection; and a commitment to proactivity and movement. This bold transformation signals a renewed commitment to shaping tourism as an engine for positive global change.
World Tourism Day has been celebrated annually on 27 September since 1980. The Global Message for World Tourism Day 2024, “Tourism and Peace”, underscores the strong connection between the two, highlighting the tourism sector as “peace sensitive” and recognizing its potential to build bridges and promote mutual understanding.
Edited by DPA
