ANKARA, Türkiye / AsiaWire.IO / – The Turkish government has outlined plans to elevate its position to the sixth-largest global tourism revenue earner, as detailed in its 2027 central government budget draft. Anadolu Agency reported that the draft 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. The sector’s budget would increase by nearly 30% under the proposed plan.
This allocation corresponds with Ankara’s Medium-Term Programme, or MTP, which sets tourism revenue targets of $70 billion for 2027, $73.5 billion for 2028, and $78.5 billion for 2029. The plan anticipates growth of $3.5 billion in the following year and an additional $5 billion in 2029. By 2029, tourism earnings are projected to be approximately 20% higher than the record level achieved last year.
Last year, tourism revenue reached an all-time high of $65.2 billion. Although Ankara initially aimed for $68 billion in 2026, the target was later revised to $65 billion. Officials explained that this adjustment was due to ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, as well as tensions in the Middle East. The new 2027 goal exceeds the revised 2026 figure by $5 billion and is about $4.8 billion above last year’s record.
Projection Indicates Rise to Sixth in Global Revenue Rankings
The World Tourism Organization’s data on global tourism revenue underpins these ranking forecasts. Türkiye is expected to rank seventh this year and move up to sixth in 2027 as revenue increases. If the country reaches its $70 billion target and climbs the rankings, projections suggest it could be in fifth place by 2028. Each milestone would place Türkiye among a smaller group of the world’s top tourism revenue generators.
Türkiye has made rapid progress in global tourism standings since 2017, rising from 15th to seventh place in tourism revenue. In terms of total tourist arrivals, the country advanced from eighth to fourth place. Forecasts indicate Türkiye will maintain its fourth-place position in arrivals from 2027 through 2029, solidifying its status as one of the world’s most frequented destinations.
2029 Goals Include Moving to 33rd in WEF Travel and Tourism Index
The Turkish government also aims to improve its standing in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index, or TTDI. It is believed that Türkiye ranked 36th in the index last year. The country plans to climb to 35th in 2027, then to 34th in 2028, and reach 33rd by 2029. The index evaluates policies and factors that support the development of national travel and tourism sectors.
The combined targets for revenue, tourist arrivals, and index ranking are intended to bolster Türkiye’s reputation as a leading global travel destination. The increased 2027 budget provides the tourism sector with additional resources to pursue these ambitions. This comes after a year in which regional conflicts cast a shadow over tourism expectations. Final data for 2026 will reveal how close the sector comes to its revised $65 billion goal.