Minister Ersoy: ‘Our goal is to welcome 60 million foreign tourists this year.’

The Turkey Culture Route Festival, previously hosted in cities like Adana, Şanlıurfa, Bursa, Samsun, and Trabzon, was held this year in Van for the first time. Attending the festival’s opening and addressing questions from journalists, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy reflected on this year’s performance and shared future goals for the tourism sector.

“19 Million Visitors in the First Five Months”

Minister Ersoy stated that in the first five months of this year, 15.78 million foreign tourists and approximately 3.3 million expatriates visited Turkey, totaling 19 million visitors. This marks a 12.5% increase compared to the same period last year.

“Our Priority Goal: Top 3 in Tourist Numbers, Top 5 in Revenue by 2028”

According to data from the World Tourism Organization, Turkey ranks among the top five tourism countries globally. Ersoy emphasized Turkey’s role as a permanent actor in global tourism and set ambitious goals: “By 2028, we aim to rank in the top three for tourist numbers and the top five for tourism revenue. Last year, we hosted 56.7 million foreign visitors. This year, our target is 60 million foreign tourists. However, visitor numbers are just statistics. Our real focus is a revenue-driven system. Current figures indicate that we will achieve $60 billion in tourism revenue this year. We evaluate success by the increase in per capita nightly revenue.”

“This Year’s Per Capita Nightly Revenue Target: $103”

Ersoy highlighted an increase in per capita nightly revenue: “Last year, this figure was $93. This year, our target is $103.”

“Every City with a Turkish Airlines Flight is a Target Destination”

Ersoy noted that tourism in Turkey has evolved into a dynamic, growing, and internationally pioneering sector. He added: “Turkish Airlines flies to 330 cities worldwide. Every city where our red flag flies is a potential target destination. If there’s an airline connection, there’s potential to attract tourists. We will continue working tirelessly to protect our achievements and build a sustainable future.”

The Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA): A Global Powerhouse

Ersoy praised the TGA as one of the world’s largest and most effective tourism agencies, promoting Turkey in 200 countries. He also stressed the importance of diversifying Turkey’s tourism offerings beyond the traditional “sea, sand, and sun” model, noting that TGA now promotes over 60 distinct products, with a focus on archaeology and gastronomy.

Expanding to New Markets

Turkey is actively targeting tourists from new markets like the Americas, China, Korea, and Japan while maintaining strong ties with traditional markets like Europe. The Minister shared ambitious goals, including attracting 2.5 million American tourists by 2028 and increasing the number of Chinese tourists with cultural and gastronomic promotions.

“Diversification is Key to Extending Tourism Across 12 Months”

Minister Ersoy emphasized the importance of extending tourism activities throughout the year and creating master plans for each city to ensure sustainable growth and qualified employment in the sector.

Addressing Economic Challenges

Touching on economic challenges, Ersoy noted that inflation affects the tourism sector and called for a stable, long-term economic program to ensure sustainable growth. He also highlighted the resilience of Turkey’s tourism sector in overcoming crises, bolstered by the establishment of the TGA.

“We Aim to Reach 7 Million German Visitors”

Addressing the recent suspension of operations by the FTI Group, one of the leading global tour operators, Ersoy outlined crisis management efforts to ensure the return of stranded tourists and preserve future reservations. He expressed confidence in achieving the target of 7 million German visitors this year despite challenges.

Integrating Culture and Tourism

At the Van Culture Route Festival, Ersoy emphasized the city’s rich natural, historical, and cultural heritage, as well as its strategic location as a gateway to Anatolia. He unveiled the Van Tourism Master Plan, which includes 47 policies, 16 priority areas, and 12 comprehensive projects aimed at ensuring sustainable and competitive growth.

“Turkey’s Culture Route Festival: Shaping the Future”

Ersoy concluded by highlighting the festival’s role in promoting Van’s cultural and tourism potential, contributing to the city’s present and future development.