ANKARA, Türkiye / AsiaWire.IO / – Turkey is striving to secure a position as the sixth-largest global revenue generator from tourism, supported by an expanded budget allocation for the industry in 2027. The 2027 draft of the central government budget allocates $244.5 million for tourism, an increase from this year’s $188.4 million, Anadolu Agency reported. This rise of approximately $56.1 million, or nearly 30%, underpins the country’s latest revenue ambitions. Ankara is aiming for $70 billion in tourism income next year.
This budget aligns with Türkiye’s Medium-Term Programme, which outlines tourism revenue goals for the upcoming three years. Following the $70 billion target in 2027, the plan projects $73.5 billion in 2028 and $78.5 billion in 2029. The strategy envisions increases of $3.5 billion in 2028 and an additional $5 billion in 2029. Achieving the 2029 goal would boost annual earnings by roughly 20% compared to last year’s figures.
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 2027 goal of $70 billion would surpass last year’s record by about $4.8 billion and also exceed the revised 2026 target by $5 billion.
Ankara aims to improve its global tourism ranking
It is anticipated that Türkiye will advance from a projected seventh place in global tourism revenue this year to sixth position in 2027. This forecast is based on data from the World Tourism Organisation. If the country hits its $70 billion target next year and moves up the rankings, further projections suggest Türkiye could reach fifth place by 2028. These ranking objectives are a key component of the 2027 sector budget plan.
Since 2017, Türkiye has made significant progress in international rankings. Over that period, Türkiye advanced from 15th to seventh place in global tourism revenue. It also climbed from eighth to fourth in total tourist arrivals. Officials anticipate the country maintaining fourth place in arrivals throughout 2027 to 2029. The arrivals ranking underscores Türkiye’s position among the world’s most visited destinations.
Tourism development index targets extend through 2029
Ankara also seeks to enhance its standing in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index. Last year, Türkiye was projected to finish 36th in this index. The government aims for 35th place in 2027, 34th in 2028, and 33rd by 2029. The index evaluates the policies and factors that foster the growth of travel and tourism sectors across nations.
These combined targets are designed to reinforce Türkiye’s reputation as a top global travel destination. The 2027 budget increase provides the tourism industry with additional resources as the country pursues higher revenues and improved rankings. This initiative follows a 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 $65 billion goal.