Souvenir Spending Hits All-Time High Among Tourists in Turkey

In the first half of 2025, Turkey witnessed a remarkable milestone in its tourism sector as souvenir spending by foreign visitors soared past the $1 billion mark for the first time ever. Tourists shelled out an impressive $1.048 billion on keepsakes that reflect Turkey’s rich cultural heritage, from colorful magnets and intricately woven carpets to Turkish delights, dried fruits, and traditional textiles.

According to recent data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the country’s overall tourism revenue in the January–June period reached $25.78 billion. This represents a 7.6% increase compared to the same period last year, setting a new record for the highest tourism income ever recorded in the first half of any year.

Rising Tourist Numbers and Rising Spending

More than 25.5 million tourists visited Turkey in the first six months of the year, marking a 1.7% increase from the previous year. Many of these travelers flocked to popular destinations like Antalya, Muğla, and Istanbul, each of which is known for its unique combination of history, culture, and coastal charm.

What’s particularly striking this year is the sharp jump in spending on souvenirs. Compared to the $904 million spent on souvenirs in the first half of 2024, there was a 15% surge this year. The demand shows not only a growing appreciation for Turkish craftsmanship and culture but also a trend of tourists wanting to take a piece of Turkey back home with them.

Food and Beverage Tops Tourist Spending

Despite the surge in souvenir sales, food and beverage remained the top spending category for tourists. Turkey earned over $5.42 billion in this category alone, showcasing the continued appeal of Turkish cuisine. Following this were expenditures on other goods and services at $4.57 billion, international and local transportation at $3.54 billion, and clothing and footwear at $2.69 billion.

These figures highlight Turkey’s growing appeal as a diverse tourism destination — one that satisfies not just the eyes with its landscapes and historical sites, but also the tastebuds and shopping desires of millions of visitors. With trends pointing upward, 2025 might turn out to be a landmark year for Turkish tourism on many fronts.