The number of tourists visiting Istanbul increased by 66% in 2023

The number of foreign tourists visiting Istanbul in 2023 reached 17 million 370 thousand, increasing by 66% in the last 10 years. According to the data of the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, while 10 million 474 thousand 867 foreign tourists visited the city in 2013, the number recorded last year was 17 million 370 thousand 30. Thus, the number of tourists visiting the city increased by 66% in the last 10 years.

In 2014, 11 million 842 thousand 983 tourists visited Istanbul, while in 2015, it was 12 million 414 thousand 677, in 2016, it was 9 million 203 thousand 987, in 2017, it was 10 million 840 thousand 595, in 2018, it was 13 million 432 thousand 990, in 2019, it was 14 million 906 thousand 663, in 2020, it was 5 million 1981, in 2021, it was 9 million 25 thousand 4, and in 2022, 16 million 18 thousand 726 foreign tourists visited.

“Istanbul, one of the most attractive destinations in world tourism”

Firuz Bağlıkaya, President of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), stated that Istanbul is one of the most attractive destinations in the world in terms of tourism, with its unique and rich historical and cultural heritage, vibrant commercial life, lively urban life, and gastronomy.

Stating that its richness increases the number of tourists visiting the city every year, Bağlıkaya expressed that this situation is pleasing.

Drawing attention to the fact that the number of tourists in 2023 approached 17.5 million, Bağlıkaya said, “There was an increase of approximately 8.5% in the number of tourists visiting Istanbul compared to the previous year. Closing 2023 with an increase is a very important development for the sector.”

Bağlıkaya noted that thanks to Istanbul and Sabiha Gökçen airports, the city was a very important hub for international tourism movements and is in a trend of increasing brand value.

“The rise of Istanbul in tourism is not at all coincidental”

Emphasizing that Istanbul had a very high tourism potential according to all factors, Bağlıkaya continued: “Therefore, the rise of Istanbul in tourism is not at all coincidental. With this capacity, Istanbul will continue to attract more visitors in the coming years. As the tourism sector, we are pleased with 2023, and we are more hopeful for 2024. In 2024, the sector will continue to provide strong support to the country’s economy by raising its targets. We expect the number of tourists to increase even more in Istanbul in 2024. The 66% increase in the last 10 years shows us this situation.”