ANKARA, Türkiye / AsiaWire.IO / – Türkiye has outlined its ambition to become the sixth-largest contributor to worldwide tourism income, as revealed in its 2027 central government budget proposal. Anadolu Agency reported that the draft allocates $244.5 million to the tourism sector, an increase from $188.4 million allocated this year. This expanded budget aims for a revenue goal of $70 billion in 2027, with funding for tourism increasing by nearly 30% under the plan.
This financial plan aligns with Ankara’s Medium-Term Programme, known as the MTP, which sets targets of $70 billion in tourism revenue for 2027, $73.5 billion for 2028, and $78.5 billion for 2029. These projections suggest gains of $3.5 billion and $5 billion in the subsequent two years. By 2029, annual tourism earnings are expected to be roughly 20% higher than the record set last year.
Last year, tourism revenue reached an all-time high of $65.2 billion. Initially, Ankara aimed for $68 billion in 2026 but later revised this goal downward to $65 billion. Officials explained that the revision was due to ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, along with tensions in the Middle East. The new target for 2027 exceeds the revised 2026 figure by $5 billion and is approximately $4.8 billion above last year’s record.
Projected revenue growth could elevate Türkiye to sixth place globally
The World Tourism Organisation’s data on global tourism revenue underpins these ranking forecasts. Türkiye is anticipated to rank seventh this year and ascend to sixth position in 2027 as its revenues grow. If the country hits its $70 billion target and moves up the rankings, subsequent projections suggest it could reach fifth place by 2028. Each step would position Türkiye among a smaller group of the world’s top tourism earners.
Türkiye has made rapid progress in global tourism rankings since 2017. It has moved from 15th to seventh place in tourism revenue during that period. In terms of total tourist arrivals, the country advanced from eighth to fourth place. Projections indicate that Türkiye will maintain its fourth-place position in arrivals from 2027 through 2029, placing it among the most visited destinations worldwide.
Goals for the WEF Travel and Tourism Development Index aim for 33rd place by 2029
Additionally, the government seeks to improve Türkiye’s standing in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index, or TTDI. The country was ranked 36th last year, with plans to move up to 35th in 2027, then 34th in 2028, and reach 33rd position in 2029. The index evaluates factors and policies that support the growth of national travel and tourism industries.
Together, these targets for revenue, tourist arrivals, and index performance aim to reinforce Türkiye’s reputation as a leading global travel destination. The expanded 2027 budget provides additional resources for the sector to achieve these objectives. This initiative follows a year marked by regional conflicts that impacted tourism forecasts. Final data for 2026 will reveal how closely the sector approaches its revised $65 billion goal.