Turkey’s Tourism Minister: Our goal for 2028 is $100 Billion in tourism revenue

In the opening speech of the 13th Resort Tourism Congress, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated, “As Turkey, we are now in the super league of world tourism. We consider countries that excel in this field as competitors and progress towards our goals accordingly. In 2028, our goal is much larger. We will raise the bar for tourism revenue to $100 Billion,” he said.

Minister Ersoy: Our goal for 2028 is $100 Billion in tourism revenue

In a speech at the 13th International Resort Tourism Congress organized by the Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers and Operators Association (AKTOB), Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy expressed his hope that the congress would yield favorable results for the entire tourism sector, lead to new collaborations, and further strengthen communication among stakeholders. He extended his thanks to everyone involved in the realization of the congress.

Touching upon current tourism data in his speech, Minister Ersoy said, “We are approaching the end of another eventful year in tourism. As you know, we had set a target of $55.6 Billion in tourism revenue as part of the Medium-Term Program for 2023. Despite the earthquake disaster at the beginning of February, followed by the election process and now the international repercussions of Israel’s attacks on Gaza, we are very close to our targets.

AS OF SEPTEMBER WE HAVE REACHED US$ 42 BILLION IN TOURISM REVENUES

“In terms of tourism revenue, as of January-September 2023, we have reached $42 Billion. Compared to the $35 Billion revenue we achieved in the same period last year, we are pleased to see a 20% increase. Another success is evident in per capita overnight spending figures. It is important to note that for us, per capita overnight spending is more crucial than per capita spending.

“In 2017, the per capita spending was $65, and by the end of 2022, we had increased this figure to $89 through successful policies. This year, our target is to complete it at $100. On the other hand, we have increased the total bed capacity of accommodation facilities from approximately 800,000 in 2002 to 2.2 million as of November, a 175% increase.

By making it mandatory for all facilities to have Ministry certification, we are approaching the completion of a very necessary process in terms of quality tourism. All these figures indicate that we, as Turkey, are now in the super league of world tourism. We see countries that excel in this field as competitors and progress towards our goals accordingly.

OUR 2028 GOAL IS US$ 100 BILLION

“In 2028, our goal is much larger. We will raise the bar for tourism revenue to $100 Billion. I have no doubt that, as before, we will reach our future goals shoulder to shoulder,” he concluded.