Turkey’s tourism sector enjoys the last warmth of a robust summer. Figures from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) for Q3 2025 show a story of strength: Turkey’s tourism revenues reached $24.257 billion from July to September, up 3.9 percent from the same period last year.
Primarily driven by international visitors, and with strong support from Turkish citizens living abroad, the industry – a key part of Turkey’s economy – continues to navigate global challenges, combining its beautiful coastline with its ancient history to attract 23.6 million visitors.
This quarter’s positive results suggest a sector that isn’t just recovering but also improving. Increased spending on health and high-end hospitality indicates a move towards more luxury experiences, even as cultural activities remain popular. “Turkey’s long history and welcoming culture continue to attract people from around the world,” according to a TurkStat representative, noting that these increases, along with a significant rise in outbound travel (32.3 percent), help position the country as an important player in the Mediterranean region.
Various Sources of Turkey’s Tourism Revenues
The data reveals a generally positive picture. International tourists contributed a significant $24.046 billion, showing Turkey’s appeal as a destination for global travelers, while transit passengers added $211 million, highlighting the country’s importance as a travel hub. Notably, Turkish citizens living overseas accounted for 16.1 percent of the total, or around $3.9 billion, often combining a sense of nostalgia with exploration when they return to their home country.
Spending habits indicate a discerning clientele: individual spending led at $15.975 billion, far exceeding the $8.071 billion from package tours. However, these organized trips still made up 33.6 percent of the total, showing that some travelers prefer bundled flights, accommodations, and sightseeing. Spending on food and drinks accounted for 19.9 percent, supporting everything from street food in Istanbul to beachfront dining in Bodrum, while international transportation accounted for 11.1 percent.
Compared to the previous year, certain areas saw particular growth. Health tourism – including thermal spas in Pamukkale and medical treatments in Antalya – increased by 20.3 percent, accommodation rose by 17.3 percent, and spending on food and drink increased by 14.8 percent. These increases might suggest an increasing focus on wellness, with travelers prioritizing relaxation and health alongside recreation after the pandemic.
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Visitor Numbers: Modest Gains with Mighty Impacts
Visitor numbers reflected the revenue trends, with 23.64 million departures from Turkey – a 1.9 percent rise from Q3 2024. Of these, 3.44 million (14.5 percent) were Turkish citizens living abroad, whose family connections give their visits a special significance. Average spending per night was around $100 for overnight visitors, a figure that shows Turkey’s value: historical richness at reasonable prices. For Turkish citizens from abroad, that number was slightly lower at $64, as they often prioritize visiting family over luxury travel.
Travel Motivations
What attracts visitors from around the globe? Cultural activities were the primary draw for about 73.8 percent of visitors – envision people exploring the ruins of Troy, attending festivals in Ephesus, or riding in hot air balloons over Göreme. Visiting relatives and friends accounted for 17.3 percent, a particularly important factor for Turkish citizens living abroad: 59.9 percent cited family visits as their main reason for travel. Shopping accounted for a smaller 3.7 percent, although the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul and artisan shops in Izmir ensure that even casual shoppers find something to buy.
This cultural focus aligns with Turkey’s growing influence: UNESCO World Heritage sites and other cultural events are not just tourist attractions – they offer an escape from everyday life, attracting both younger and older travelers.
Outbound Turks Odyssey
Looking at the other side of the picture, Turkish travelers are also exploring the world. International travel spending increased significantly (32.3 percent) to $2.479 billion. The breakdown reveals a notable $2.035 billion spent on individual trips, complemented by $445 million allocated to packaged tours. Interestingly, a 3 percent rise in the number of citizens traveling internationally—reaching 3.38 million—suggests a growing middle class with aspirations for experiences in European capitals or perhaps the exotic locales of Asia. These travels, in addition to broadening horizons, also contribute to the global economy by moving revenue through international airlines and various currencies.