ANKARA, Türkiye / AsiaWire.IO / – The Turkish government has announced plans for tourism revenue to reach $70 billion in 2027, supported by an increased budget allocation for the sector. The 2027 draft of the central government budget allocates $244.5 million to tourism, marking an increase from $188.4 million this year, Anadolu Agency reported. The roughly $56.1 million rise, nearly 30%, aligns with the country’s latest revenue ambitions. Ankara aims for $70 billion in tourism income next year.
This budget is in line with Türkiye’s Medium-Term Programme, which outlines tourism revenue goals for the upcoming three years. After targeting $70 billion in 2027, the plan projects $73.5 billion in 2028 and $78.5 billion in 2029. The strategy envisions an increase of $3.5 billion in 2028 and an additional $5 billion in 2029. Achieving the 2029 target would mean a roughly 20% rise in annual earnings compared to last year.
Türkiye achieved a historic milestone last year with tourism revenues reaching $65.2 billion. Nonetheless, the initial 2026 target of $68 billion was revised downward to $65 billion, reflecting the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine as well as in the Middle East. The planned $70 billion for 2027 would surpass last year’s record by about $4.8 billion and exceed the revised 2026 goal by $5 billion.
Ankara Aims to Improve Its Global Tourism Standing
Projections indicate Türkiye could move from a seventh-place position in global tourism revenue this year to sixth place in 2027. These forecasts are based on data from the World Tourism Organisation. If the country hits its $70 billion target and climbs the rankings, estimates suggest Türkiye might reach fifth place by 2028. These ranking ambitions are a key component of the 2027 sector budget plan.
Since 2017, Türkiye has made significant progress in international standings. Over that period, Türkiye advanced from 15th to seventh place in global tourism revenue, while also moving from eighth to fourth in total tourist arrivals. Officials anticipate Türkiye will maintain its fourth-place position in arrivals through 2027 to 2029. This ranking underscores Türkiye’s status as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
Targets Set for Travel and Tourism Development Index Through 2029
Ankara also aims to enhance its position in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index. Last year, Türkiye was projected to rank 36th. The government is targeting 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 worldwide.
These combined objectives are designed to strengthen Türkiye’s reputation as a top global travel destination. The 2027 budget boost provides more resources for the tourism industry as the country pursues higher revenue and improved global rankings. This initiative follows a year marked by regional conflicts that prompted downward revisions of revenue forecasts. Final 2026 figures will reveal how closely the sector approaches its revised $65 billion target.