Istanbul, 6 November 2026 – Turkey’s tourism sector posted a new high‑water mark for the first nine months of 2026, according to Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy. The ministry reported that 49,132,000 tourists visited the country between January and September, generating $51.278 billion in revenue – a 2.4 % rise compared with the same period in 2025 and the strongest nine‑month performance ever recorded.

The average length of stay rose to 10.34 nights per visitor. Domestic travellers spent an average of $107.70 per night, while foreign visitors spent $119.90 per night, reflecting a 4.6 % increase in per‑night expenditure.

Ersoy highlighted that Turkey’s position in the global tourism hierarchy has continued to improve. In 2017 the country ranked eighth in terms of international arrivals; by 2025 it had climbed to fourth place behind France, Spain and the United States. In revenue terms, Turkey now occupies the seventh spot worldwide.

The minister linked the strong performance to the sector’s “resilient and robust” structure, noting that the global tourism environment remained challenging throughout the year. He stressed that the government’s strategy focuses on extending the tourism season across all 81 provinces, increasing average stay lengths, and attracting higher‑value visitors.

Looking ahead, Ersoy outlined a five‑pillar plan for 2027 aimed at sustaining growth. Priorities include preserving demand in existing key markets, expanding promotion throughout the year, strengthening partnerships with airlines and tour operators, leveraging major sports and cultural events to boost the country’s image, and employing data and artificial‑intelligence tools to optimise marketing investments.

The record figures were presented to the Parliamentary Budget and Planning Commission, where members discussed the upcoming 2027 budget proposal of 95.153 billion Turkish lira, of which 67.366 billion lira is earmarked for current expenditures and 27.788 billion lira for investment. The ministry intends to use the budget to broaden cultural access across all provinces and convert tourism gains into long‑term prosperity.

The tourism surge also coincided with a significant increase in archaeological activity. In 2026, 32,000 artefacts were uncovered at 261 excavation sites, and 126 cultural assets were repatriated from abroad, underscoring the sector’s contribution to heritage preservation and cultural tourism.

Ersoy concluded that Turkey’s tourism industry has not only withstood a difficult global climate but also set a new benchmark for future growth, positioning the country as a leading, diversified destination on the world stage.

Source: Habertürk, 6 Nov 2026 (https://www.haberturk.com/ekonomi/bakan-ersoy-acikladi-turkiye-9-ayda-yaklasik-50-milyon-turist-agirladi-3925442)