Barceló Hotel Group Invests Further in Türkiye’s Travel Sector – Focus on Travel News

Barceló Hotel Group invests further in Türkiye’s travel sector as the country records its highest-ever tourism revenue for the first quarter of a year.

According to Türkiye’s official statistics agency TÜİK, tourism income climbed 5.6% year-over-year to reach $9.45 billion between January and March 2025. That figure marks the strongest Q1 tourism performance in the nation’s history—setting the pace for Türkiye’s bold annual targets of welcoming 65 million visitors and generating $64 billion in tourism revenue.

Tourist Spending Surges to $116 Per Night

While overall visitor numbers are growing, what truly distinguishes Türkiye’s rise is how much each traveler is spending. The average nightly spend per foreign tourist reached $116 in early 2025—up from $108 in 2024 and a notable jump from just $75 in 2017. This steady climb reflects not only a boost in tourism numbers, but also a shift toward higher-value travel experiences that combine cultural depth, comfort, and tailored service.

According to Hasan Ekmen, General Manager of Barceló Hotel Group Türkiye, this trend is a testament to Türkiye’s unique mix of historic richness, diversified destinations, and strong hospitality infrastructure. “The data shows we’ve increased per capita income again this year, and that has a powerful impact on overall tourism performance,” Ekmen stated. “Türkiye offers not only quantity but quality, with a wide range of experiences travelers are clearly willing to pay more for.”

Türkiye as a “Reference Country” for Global Strategy

Barceló Hotel Group, one of the world’s leading hospitality brands, is responding to Türkiye’s momentum with renewed investment across key regions. With properties already spanning the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, the company is now eyeing further growth into Eastern and Central Anatolia. Ekmen explained that Türkiye is more than just another destination on the company’s global roadmap—it’s a strategic anchor point.

“For us, Türkiye is a reference country. We believe deeply in its long-term tourism potential,” Ekmen said. “As travelers increasingly seek immersive, experience-based trips, Türkiye’s blend of authenticity, tradition, and modern hospitality positions it to lead the region. Barceló aims to be part of that story.”

He added that the group’s investment philosophy includes not only building new properties, but also promoting the destinations themselves. “Wherever we operate, we view it as our mission to support local culture and highlight what makes each region unique,” Ekmen noted. “This elevates both the brand and the destination, especially in a country as naturally and culturally diverse as Türkiye.”

Why Travelers—and Brands—Are Flocking to Türkiye

Türkiye’s appeal stretches far beyond its sun-soaked beaches. The country is investing heavily in sustainable tourism, digital transformation, and personalized guest experiences. According to Ekmen, these are the three pillars that will define the future of global travel. He emphasized that brands which successfully blend digital convenience with local authenticity—especially in markets like Türkiye—will dominate the next phase of tourism growth.

“Türkiye has something very powerful going for it: traditional hospitality that aligns perfectly with the personalization trend,” Ekmen said. “Travelers want to feel seen and connected. In Türkiye, that’s not a strategy—it’s cultural DNA.”

The nation’s diverse geography offers countless niche travel experiences, from hot-air ballooning over Cappadocia to thermal spa retreats in Afyon, culinary trails through Gaziantep, or ancient ruins along the Aegean coast. This variety allows hospitality brands like Barceló to tailor offerings to a wide spectrum of traveler interests, from luxury to adventure, wellness to heritage.

Global Recognition Fuels Local Confidence

Barceló Hotel Group’s confidence in Türkiye also stems from its broader reputation. The company, founded in 1931 in Mallorca, Spain, has grown into a global tourism powerhouse operating over 300 hotels with more than 50,000 rooms. It has been named “World’s Leading Hotel Management Company” four times by the World Travel Awards, most recently in 2024.

Its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and customer-first design makes its continued investment in Türkiye a strong endorsement of the country’s global tourism standing. For travelers planning their next adventure, that means Türkiye isn’t just open for business—it’s raising the bar.

As the 2025 tourism season unfolds, Türkiye stands at the crossroads of tradition and transformation. And with partners like Barceló Hotel Group helping chart the way forward, it’s clear the country is not just trending—it’s trailblazing.

The United Nations has officially adopted “Türkiye” as the country’s new internationally recognized name, replacing the former spelling “Turkey.”