ANKARA, Türkiye / AsiaWire.IO / – Türkiye aims to position itself as the sixth-largest global contributor to tourism income, supported by an increased budget allocation for the sector 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 roughly $56.1 million rise, nearly 30%, underpins the country’s latest revenue ambitions. Ankara is targeting $70 billion in tourism earnings next year.
This budget aligns with Türkiye’s Medium-Term Programme, which outlines tourism revenue targets for the upcoming three years. Following the $70 billion goal in 2027, the plan projects $73.5 billion in 2028 and $78.5 billion in 2029, with increases of $3.5 billion and $5 billion respectively. Achieving the 2029 target would boost annual revenue by approximately 20% compared to the previous year.
Last year, Türkiye achieved a record-breaking $65.2 billion in tourism income. Nonetheless, the initial 2026 target of $68 billion was revised downward to $65 billion, reflecting the effects of 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 the revised 2026 target by $5 billion.
Ankara aims for higher global tourism standings
The country is projected to move from seventh place in global tourism revenue this year to sixth in 2027, based on data from the World Tourism Organisation. If Türkiye reaches its $70 billion target and advances in rankings, further projections suggest a fifth-place position by 2028. These ranking aspirations are a key element of the 2027 budget plan for the tourism sector.
Since 2017, Türkiye has made notable progress in international rankings. Over that period, Türkiye advanced from 15th to seventh in global tourism revenue and climbed from eighth to fourth in total tourist arrivals. Officials expect Türkiye to maintain fourth place in arrivals from 2027 to 2029, placing it among the world’s most visited countries.
Tourism competitiveness index goals extend through 2029
Türkiye also seeks to improve its position in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index. Last year, the country ranked 36th. The government targets 35th in 2027, 34th in 2028, and 33rd by 2029. The index evaluates the policies and factors supporting the growth of travel and tourism industries in various nations.
These combined objectives aim to strengthen Türkiye’s reputation as a top global travel destination. The increased 2027 budget provides the tourism sector with additional resources as the country pursues higher revenues and improved rankings. This plan follows a year marked by regional conflicts that prompted downward revisions of revenue expectations. The final 2026 figures will reveal how closely the sector approaches its revised $65 billion target.