ANKARA, Türkiye / AsiaWire.IO / – As of 2027, Turkey plans to position itself as the sixth-largest global contributor to tourism income, supported by an increased budget allocation for the industry. The draft of the 2027 central government budget allocates $244.5 million for tourism, a rise from $188.4 million this year, Anadolu Agency reported. The roughly $56.1 million increase, nearly 30%, aligns with the country’s new revenue objectives. Ankara is aiming for $70 billion in tourism earnings next year.
In line with Türkiye’s Medium-Term Programme, the budget reflects targets for tourism revenue over the upcoming three years. After reaching $70 billion in 2027, projections include $73.5 billion for 2028 and $78.5 billion for 2029, with increases of $3.5 billion and $5 billion respectively. Achieving the 2029 goal would boost annual income by approximately 20% compared to last year’s figures.
Last year, Türkiye achieved a record-high in tourism income, generating $65.2 billion. Nonetheless, the initial 2026 target of $68 billion was revised downward to $65 billion, factoring in 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 about $4.8 billion and the adjusted 2026 goal by $5 billion.
Ankara aims to improve its standing among the top global tourism destinations
According to projections based on data from the World Tourism Organisation, Türkiye is expected to move from a seventh-place position in global tourism revenue this year to sixth in 2027. Should the country meet its $70 billion goal and climb the rankings, further forecasts suggest Türkiye could reach fifth place by 2028. These ranking objectives are a core element of the 2027 sector budget plan.
Since 2017, Türkiye has made notable advances in international rankings. During this period, Türkiye moved from 15th to seventh in global tourism revenue and from eighth to fourth in total tourist arrivals. Officials anticipate the country maintaining its fourth-place position in arrivals from 2027 through 2029, placing Türkiye among the world’s most visited nations.
Long-term targets for travel competitiveness index announced through 2029
Furthermore, Ankara seeks to enhance its ranking in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index. Last year, Türkiye was projected to finish 36th. The government now aims for 35th place in 2027, 34th in 2028, and 33rd by 2029. This index evaluates the policies and factors that influence travel and tourism sector growth across nations.
These combined ambitions are designed to reinforce Türkiye’s reputation as a top global travel destination. The increased 2027 budget provides more resources for the tourism industry as the country pursues higher revenues and improved global rankings. This strategy follows a year marked by regional conflicts that prompted downward revisions of revenue expectations. Final 2026 figures will reveal how closely the sector approaches its revised $65 billion target.