ANKARA, Türkiye / AsiaWire.IO / – Achieving a record-breaking $70 billion in tourism revenue next year, Türkiye is on course to elevate its global standing in travel earnings. This milestone is driven by a planned increase in the national budget allocated for tourism in 2027, with the central government draft proposing a funding of $244.5 million, up from $188.4 million this year, Anadolu Agency reported. The boost of roughly $56.1 million, nearly 30%, supports the country’s latest revenue ambitions. Ankara’s goal is to hit $70 billion in tourism income in 2027.
This budget aligns with Türkiye’s Medium-Term Programme, which outlines tourism revenue targets for the upcoming three years. After reaching $70 billion in 2027, the plan anticipates $73.5 billion in 2028 and $78.5 billion in 2029. The strategy envisions increases of $3.5 billion in 2028 and an additional $5 billion in 2029. Achieving the 2029 target would mean about a 20% rise in annual earnings compared to last year’s figures.
Last year, Türkiye achieved a historic high, generating $65.2 billion in tourism revenue. However, the initial 2026 goal of $68 billion was revised downward to $65 billion, reflecting the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, as well as tensions in the Middle East. The 2027 target of $70 billion would surpass last year’s record by approximately $4.8 billion and the adjusted 2026 goal by $5 billion.
Ankara aims to improve its global tourism ranking
Projected to move from seventh place in global tourism revenue this year to sixth in 2027, Türkiye is expected to climb the ranks according to data from the World Tourism Organisation. If the country achieves its $70 billion target and advances in ranking, further forecasts suggest Türkiye could reach fifth place by 2028. These ranking objectives are a key component of the 2027 sector budget plan.
Since 2017, Türkiye has made significant progress in international standings. Over that period, Türkiye moved from 15th to seventh place in global tourism revenue and from eighth to fourth in total tourist arrivals. Officials anticipate the country will maintain its fourth-place position in arrivals through 2027 to 2029, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s most visited destinations.
Goals set for travel and tourism competitiveness through 2029
Türkiye is also focused on improving its position in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index. Last year, the country finished 36th in the index. The government’s targets aim for a 35th place finish in 2027, 34th in 2028, and 33rd by 2029. The index evaluates the policies and factors that influence the growth of travel and tourism sectors worldwide.
These combined goals are designed to reinforce Türkiye’s reputation as a top global travel destination. The increased 2027 budget provides the tourism industry with additional resources to pursue higher revenues and improved rankings. This initiative follows a year marked by regional conflicts that led to downward revisions of revenue expectations. Final figures for 2026 will reveal how closely the sector approaches its revised $65 billion target.