ANKARA, Türkiye / AsiaWire.IO / – As part of its broader economic ambitions, Türkiye is working towards ascending the ranks in global tourism revenue, aiming to reach sixth place worldwide by 2027. This strategic move is reinforced by a significant boost in sector funding outlined in the 2027 central government budget draft, which allocates $244.5 million to tourism, rising from $188.4 million this year, Anadolu Agency reported. The additional $56.1 million, nearly a 30% increase, underpins the country’s latest revenue objectives. Ankara’s target for next year is to generate $70 billion in tourism income.
This financial plan is in line with Türkiye’s Medium-Term Programme, which specifies tourism revenue targets for the upcoming three years. Following the $70 billion goal for 2027, the plan projects $73.5 billion in 2028 and $78.5 billion in 2029. The strategy envisions an increase of $3.5 billion in 2028 and an additional $5 billion in 2029. Achieving the 2029 target would boost annual earnings by approximately 20% compared to the previous year.
Last year, Türkiye achieved a record-breaking $65.2 billion in tourism income. Nonetheless, the initial 2026 revenue forecast of $68 billion was revised downward to $65 billion, reflecting the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East. The proposed 2027 goal of $70 billion would surpass last year’s record by about $4.8 billion and the revised 2026 target by $5 billion.
Ankara aims to improve its global tourism standing
Projections indicate that Türkiye will move from an estimated seventh place in global tourism revenue this year to sixth in 2027. These figures are based on data from the World Tourism Organisation. If the country meets its $70 billion target next year and climbs the ranks, further forecasts suggest Türkiye could reach fifth place by 2028. The rankings are a key component of the 2027 sector budget plan.
Since 2017, Türkiye has experienced notable progress in international rankings. During this period, Türkiye advanced from 15th to seventh in global tourism revenue and moved up from eighth to fourth in total tourist arrivals. Officials anticipate maintaining fourth place in arrivals from 2027 through 2029. The arrivals ranking positions Türkiye among the world’s most frequented countries.
Travel and Tourism Development Index targets extend through 2029
Türkiye also aims to enhance its position in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index. The country finished 36th last year and is targeting 35th in 2027, 34th in 2028, and 33rd by 2029. This index evaluates the policies and factors that influence the growth of travel and tourism sectors across nations.
These combined objectives are designed to further establish Türkiye as a top global travel destination. The 2027 budget increase provides additional resources to the tourism industry as the country strives for higher revenues and improved global rankings. This initiative follows a year marked by regional conflicts that led to downward revisions in revenue expectations. The final 2026 figures will reveal how closely the sector approaches its revised $65 billion target.