Minister of Tourism: Turkey aims to receive 60 million visitors and generate $60 billion in tourism revenue in 2024
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated that Turkey aimed to receive 60 million visitors and generate $60 billion in tourism revenue in 2024. Speaking at the 55th International Tourism Exchange (ITB) Fair held in Berlin, Germany, Minister Ersoy highlighted Turkey’s ambitious tourism goals for 2024, aiming to surpass 7 million tourists from Germany alone.
Despite facing challenges such as earthquakes, conflicts, and election processes, Turkey achieved record numbers of visitors and tourism revenue last year. Minister Ersoy expressed confidence in surpassing the set targets for this year, citing early reservation data showing significant increases, particularly from the German market.
NEW STRATEGY: NEW DESTINATIONS IN THE FAR EAST AND MORE HIGH-SPENDING TOURISTS
Furthermore, Ersoy outlined Turkey’s strategy to increase its share in the European market while targeting new destinations in the Far East. The goal is to attract more high-spending tourists, with plans to increase per capita spending from $65 in 2017 to over $130 by 2028. Turkey aims to diversify its tourism offerings beyond traditional sun, sea, and sand, leveraging the promotional efforts of the Tourism Development Agency to expand its destination portfolio and product variety.
IMPORTANCE OF ARCHAEOLOGY: LEGACY TO THE FUTURE – INFINITE EPHESUS
Ersoy emphasized the importance of promoting archaeology through projects like “Legacy to the Future: Infinite Ephesus,” aiming to enhance archaeological sites’ excavation, restoration, and revitalization efforts with significantly increased budgets. Currently, intensive excavation programs are underway at 144 sites, with the initiation of night museums in archaeological areas near city centers or relevant locations.
Turkey’s promotion efforts also benefit from Turkish Airlines’ extensive network, serving over 330 destinations directly, reinforcing the country’s tourism appeal.
