According to the latest global data, the tourism sector returned to nearly pre-pandemic levels last year. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, 2023 tourism reached 90% of its pre-pandemic levels, with 975 million people travelling.
In a report published by the market research company Euromonitor International in December, Turkey had two cities on the list of the most visited countries in the world.
Among the cities most visited by foreign visitors, Istanbul ranked first with 20 million people, while Antalya ranked fourth with 16.5 million people.
Annual growth in Istanbul indicates 26% in 2023; in Antalya, it points to 29%.
Experts in the sector wrote about how Istanbul surpassed many world capitals and Antalya outpaced cities like Paris, Hong Kong, and New York.
Based on reports by The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the number of tourists visiting Turkey in 2023 increased to 56.7 million, corresponding to 10 per cent growth.
It was also mentioned in the same reports that Antalya had long been a favourite city for German, Russian, and British tourists, citing its impressive Mediterranean waters, 300 days of sunshine a year, and historical structures.
INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF FLIGHTS TO ANTALYA
The same reports also say the increase in flights to Antalya also plays a significant role.
According to some people in the sector, Antalya offers more than just a holiday with its natural beauty, history, mountains, waterfalls, beaches, and cuisine. Also, starting this year, tourists from the United States, Canada, and Mexico will not need an electronic visa if their travel duration is less than 90 days, which could further increase the number of tourists.
TURKEY TARGETS 60 MILLION VISITORS AND $60 BILLION REVENUE IN 2024
It is noteworthy to mention that Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy has announced a target of 60 million visitors and $60 billion in revenue for 2024.
Then again, the depreciation of the Turkish lira against the dollar makes Turkey an economically preferred destination for foreign tourists.
GROWTH IN HEALTH TOURISM FIGURES
On the other hand, the revival of health tourism in Turkey is also contributing to the increase in numbers. According to TUIK data, 1.2 million people visited Turkey for health tourism in 2022, indicating an increase of over 45%. Antalya is particularly preferred for dental health. Many tourism operators offer all-inclusive dental health services, including accommodation.
There is no doubt that sports activities and health tourism have made the city a popular destination for tourists.
