Turkish Officials Claim Tourism Boom, But Insiders Say Trade is Struggling

Turkey ranks among the world’s leading tourism destinations, famed for its historical sites, from the Roman era to the Ottoman Empire, as well as its pristine beaches and cultural heritage. 

But as the country’s economy struggles, tourism revenue has become more critical than ever.

While the government highlights record-breaking visitor numbers and projects a booming year, industry insiders paint a different picture. Hoteliers and tourism experts warn that official statistics mask falling occupancy rates, shrinking profits, soaring inflation, and the impact of international political crises.

Turkey hosted a record number of 26.39 million tourists in the first six months of 2025 generating 25.6 billion US dollars revenue, according to the official figures. The number shows a slight increase compared to the same period in 2024.

“We are moving step by step toward our annual goal,” Turkish Minister for Tourism and Culture Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said in July. His aim is to see 65 million visitors in 2025. In 2024, Turkey saw a record number of tourists, with 62.27 million international visitors, a 9.8 per cent increase over the previous year. These visitors generated a record tourism revenue of 61.1 billion US dollars.

Yet, as the numbers and official statements draw a perfect image, sector representatives describe a different picture, complaining about the low number of reservations and decreasing profits.