ANKARA, Türkiye / AsiaWire.IO / – Turkey has targeted reaching the sixth position globally in tourism income, as outlined in its 2027 central government budget proposal. Anadolu Agency reported that the draft allocates $244.5 million for tourism, compared to $188.4 million allocated this year. This increased funding aligns with a revenue goal of $70 billion set for 2027. The sector’s funding would grow by almost 30% under this plan.
This allocation aligns with Ankara’s Medium-Term Programme, known as the MTP, which establishes tourism revenue objectives of $70 billion in 2027, $73.5 billion in 2028, and $78.5 billion in 2029. This trajectory suggests increases of $3.5 billion and then $5 billion in the subsequent two years. By 2029, the annual tourism income could be roughly 20% higher than the record level achieved last year.
Tourism revenue peaked at a record $65.2 billion last year. Initially, Ankara aimed for $68 billion in 2026 but later adjusted that goal down to $65 billion. Officials explained that the revision was due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East. The new target for 2027 exceeds the revised 2026 figure by $5 billion and is about $4.8 billion above last year’s record.
Projected revenue ranking to ascend to sixth position
Based on data from the World Tourism Organization, Türkiye is expected to rank seventh this year and move up to sixth place in 2027 as tourism earnings increase. Achieving the $70 billion target and climbing the rankings could position the country in fifth place by 2028. Each progression would place Türkiye among a smaller group of the world’s leading tourism earners.
Türkiye has made rapid progress in global tourism standings since 2017, advancing from 15th to seventh place in tourism revenue. In terms of total tourist arrivals, the country moved from eighth to fourth place. Forecasts indicate Türkiye maintaining its fourth-place ranking from 2027 through 2029, confirming its position among the most visited destinations worldwide.
Goals for WEF Travel and Tourism Development Index aim for 33rd place by 2029
Additionally, the government seeks to improve Türkiye’s ranking within the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index, or TTDI. Last year, the country was projected to be placed 36th. The plan is to climb to 35th in 2027, then 34th in 2028, and finally reach 33rd position in 2029. This index evaluates factors and policies that support the growth of a nation’s travel and tourism sectors.
Collectively, the revenue, visitor arrival, and index goals are intended to reinforce Türkiye’s status as a leading global travel destination. The expanded 2027 budget supplies the sector with additional resources necessary to achieve these ambitions. This follows a year in which regional conflicts dampened tourism outlooks. Final 2026 data will reveal how close the industry comes to its revised $65 billion target.