WTTC Forecasts Türkiye’s Travel & Tourism Sector to Soar in 2025, Cementing Its Status as a Global Powerhouse
(IN SHORT) According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Türkiye’s Travel & Tourism sector is set for exceptional growth in 2025, contributing ₺5.2TN to the national economy, and supporting 3.3 million jobs. The sector’s performance will be driven by a surge in both international and domestic visitor spending, with Türkiye’s tourism industry continuing to thrive on its appeal to global travelers. Looking ahead, projections show continued growth, with Travel & Tourism expected to contribute ₺7TN to the economy by 2035 and create an additional half a million jobs.
(PRESS RELEASE) ANTALYA, Türkiye, 2025-Apr-29 — /Travel PR News/ — Türkiye’s Travel & Tourism sector is poised for unprecedented growth in 2025, according to the latest forecast from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). With a projected ₺5.2TN contribution to the national economy in 2025—equivalent to 12% of Türkiye’s GDP—the sector is set to grow by over ₺200BN compared to the previous year, reinforcing Türkiye’s position as one of the world’s most popular and resilient tourism destinations.
International and domestic visitors are expected to drive this remarkable success, with international visitor spending forecast to reach ₺2.6TN in 2025, showcasing Türkiye’s rising global appeal. Domestic visitor spending is projected to hit ₺1.4TN, reflecting the strength and vibrancy of Türkiye’s homegrown tourism industry and the growing enthusiasm of its people to explore their own rich heritage.
WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research also highlights that this growth is not only economic. In 2025, Travel & Tourism is forecast to support 3.3 million jobs across Türkiye, accounting for more than 10% of national employment. This includes roles across hospitality, transport, food services, and cultural experiences, creating long-term, meaningful opportunities for millions of Turkish citizens.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, commented, “Travel & Tourism in Türkiye continues to grow at an impressive pace and is achieving record numbers. As travelers seek authentic, enriching experiences, Türkiye is providing just that, with open arms, offering world-class experiences that appeal to visitors from all corners of the globe.”
In 2024, Türkiye’s Travel & Tourism sector contributed ₺5TN to the national economy, representing nearly 12% of GDP. The sector also supported 3.2 million jobs, equating to one in every ten jobs in the country. International visitors spent ₺2.5TN, while domestic travelers added ₺1.3TN, demonstrating the broad and growing impact of the sector.
Simpson added, “While 2025 is on track to be a record year for Türkiye’s Travel & Tourism sector, we must not take success for granted. Although Türkiye made great strides in 2024, international visitor spending saw a slight decline. In an increasingly competitive global market, Türkiye must continue to innovate and invest to maintain its leading position.”
Coral Travel Group, one of Türkiye’s and Europe’s leading tourism groups, has also welcomed the positive outlook.
Ayhan Bektas, Chairman of the Board and WTTC Member, stated, “We are proud to contribute to Türkiye’s tourism story, a sector that not only supports millions of jobs but also delivers real value to the national economy. The partnership between the private sector and government has helped establish Türkiye as one of the most dynamic travel destinations in the world. We look forward to continuing our collective success and supporting Türkiye’s rise on the global stage.”
WTTC projections show that Türkiye’s Travel & Tourism sector will maintain strong growth through to 2035. The sector is forecast to contribute ₺7TN to the economy by 2035, representing nearly 13% of GDP, and is expected to support 3.8 million jobs, creating more than half a million new roles over the next decade. International visitor spending and domestic tourism are both expected to rise steadily, reaching ₺3.4TN and ₺1.7TN, respectively.
For more information and to access the full factsheet, including WTTC’s latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), please visit WTTC’s Research Hub.
SOURCE: World Travel & Tourism Council
