Recent global tourism data for 2025 show that Europe remains the world’s leading destination for cultural and city tourism. Across the continent, approximately 793 million international tourists were recorded. Italy delivered a strong performance in 2025, welcoming around 185 million visitors in total and marking a significant increase compared to the previous year, reflecting growing demand from both domestic and international travelers. France stood out with 102 million visitors, maintaining its position among the most visited countries in the world. Spain also closed 2025 with a success story, hosting 96.8 million international tourists and increasing its visitor numbers compared to the previous year.
While these figures demonstrate the strong global appeal of European destinations, they also highlight the opportunity for Turkey to further leverage its rich cultural heritage and secure a larger share of the international tourism market. In 2025, Turkey welcomed approximately 64 million tourists, reaching the highest visitor number in its history and reinforcing the country’s growing influence in both economic and cultural tourism on the global stage.
Commenting on the subject, Heritage Projects Founder Osman Murat Akan emphasized that Turkey’s rise in tourism is the result of strategic steps and creative global promotion efforts. “Turkey is undoubtedly benefiting from the initiatives taken in recent years as well as innovative international promotional campaigns. With its layered history, unique landscapes and historic cities, Turkey has strong potential to rank among the leading cultural tourism destinations of the future. At Heritage Istanbul, we aim to contribute to this momentum by bringing together the ambassadors and experts of cultural heritage from around the world through our exhibition and conference series, helping cultural heritage tourism receive the attention it deserves both nationally and internationally,” he said.
Countdown to the Major Gathering: April 1–4 at Yenikapı Eurasia Show and Art Center
Heritage Istanbul, which will be held for the ninth time this year, will open its doors between April 1–4, 2026 at the Yenikapı Eurasia Show and Art Center in Istanbul. The event is organized with the support of the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, the Istanbul Governorship, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the General Directorate of Foundations and the Directorate of National Palaces.
Positioned as an international platform highlighting cultural heritage, Heritage Istanbul brings together experts, institutions and professionals from around the world to promote the protection, restoration and sustainable use of historical assets.
Through international collaborations and sectoral events, Heritage Istanbul contributes to unlocking Turkey’s vast cultural tourism potential. The 2026 edition will focus on the theme of the Historic Peninsula, presenting Istanbul’s thousands of years of history to global audiences and offering visitors a unique cultural experience.
