ANKARA, Türkiye / AsiaWire.IO / – In its ongoing efforts to boost its international tourism stature, Türkiye aims to become one of the top five countries worldwide in tourism revenue by 2028. According to the draft of its 2027 central government budget, the nation plans to significantly increase its investments in the sector. Anadolu Agency reported that the proposed budget allocates $244.5 million to tourism, up from $188.4 million this year. This increased funding aligns with a revenue goal of $70 billion for 2027, with the sector’s budget set to grow by nearly 30% under the proposed plan.
The planned allocation supports Ankara’s Medium-Term Programme, known as the MTP, which sets ambitious tourism revenue targets of $70 billion in 2027, $73.5 billion in 2028, and $78.5 billion in 2029. This trajectory suggests gains of $3.5 billion in 2028 and $5 billion in 2029, leading to an estimated rise of approximately 20% above last year’s record of $65.2 billion by 2029. The government’s projections indicate steady growth despite recent regional challenges.
Last year, tourism earnings hit an all-time high of $65.2 billion. Although Ankara initially aimed for $68 billion in 2026, the target was later revised downward to $65 billion, citing ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and unrest in the Middle East. The revised 2027 goal exceeds the 2026 figure by $5 billion and is roughly $4.8 billion higher than last year’s record.
Expected rise in global tourism revenue positions Türkiye in sixth place
The projections are based on data from the World Tourism Organisation, which forecast Türkiye’s ranking to improve from seventh place this year to sixth in 2027 as its revenue increases. If the country achieves its $70 billion target and climbs the ranks, future estimates suggest it could reach fifth place by 2028. Such advancements would place Türkiye among the world’s most lucrative tourism destinations.
Türkiye has rapidly advanced in global tourism rankings since 2017. It moved from 15th to seventh in tourism revenue during that period. In total tourist arrivals, it rose from eighth to fourth place, with projections indicating that Türkiye will maintain its fourth-place position from 2027 through 2029. These rankings solidify its status as one of the most visited nations worldwide.
Goals for WEF Travel and Tourism Development Index aim for 33rd place by 2029
The government’s ambitions extend beyond revenue and arrivals, targeting an improved position in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index, or TTDI. Last year, Türkiye was projected to rank 36th in the index. The country plans to advance to 35th in 2027, then 34th in 2028, and ultimately 33rd in 2029. The index evaluates policies and factors that promote the growth of national travel and tourism sectors.
The combined goals for revenue, visitor numbers, and index ranking are designed to elevate Türkiye’s global standing as a leading international travel destination. The increased 2027 budget provides additional resources to support these objectives, especially after a year marked by regional conflicts that affected tourism forecasts. Final data for 2026 will reveal how closely the sector approaches its revised $65 billion target.