ANKARA, Türkiye / AsiaWire.IO / – The Turkish government has outlined a target to achieve $70 billion in tourism income in 2027, supported by a substantial boost in sector funding within the 2027 central government budget draft, which allocates $244.5 million for tourism—an increase from $188.4 million this year, Anadolu Agency reported. The rise of roughly $56.1 million, nearly 30%, underpins the country’s most recent revenue ambitions. Ankara is aiming for $70 billion in tourism earnings next year.
This budget aligns with Türkiye’s Medium-Term Programme, which sets tourism revenue targets for the upcoming three years. After reaching $70 billion in 2027, the plan projects $73.5 billion in 2028 and $78.5 billion in 2029, with increases of $3.5 billion and $5 billion respectively. Achieving the 2029 goal would elevate annual earnings by approximately 20% compared to last year.
Last year, Türkiye achieved a record-high in tourism revenue, generating $65.2 billion. 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 target of $70 billion would surpass last year’s record by about $4.8 billion and also exceed the revised 2026 estimate by $5 billion.
Ankara aims to improve its global tourism standing
It is anticipated that Türkiye will move from a projected seventh place in global tourism revenue this year to sixth in 2027. This forecast derives from data provided by the World Tourism Organisation. Achieving the $70 billion goal next year and ascending the rankings could position Türkiye in fifth place by 2028, according to further projections. These ranking aspirations are a key element of the 2027 sector budget plan.
Since 2017, Türkiye has experienced notable improvements in its global rankings. Over this period, Türkiye advanced from 15th to seventh place in tourism revenue and climbed from eighth to fourth in tourist arrivals. Officials expect the country to maintain its fourth-place position in arrivals throughout 2027 to 2029. This ranking places Türkiye among the most visited nations worldwide.
Tourism competitiveness index targets extend through 2029
Türkiye also seeks to enhance its position in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index. Last year, the country finished 36th in the index, and the government aspires to reach 35th place in 2027, 34th in 2028, and 33rd by 2029. The index evaluates the policies and factors that influence the growth of travel and tourism industries in various nations.
These combined objectives are designed to solidify Türkiye’s reputation as a top global travel destination. The increased 2027 budget provides additional resources to the tourism sector as the country pursues higher earnings and improved rankings. This plan follows a challenging year marked by regional conflicts that led to downward revisions of revenue expectations. Final 2026 figures will reveal how closely the sector approaches its revised target of $65 billion.