Turkiye has been experiencing a rapid recovery in its tourism industry with near record arrivals and tourism receipts in 2022. India continues to be a strong performer in this as the total number of Indian tourists expected to visit Turkiye this year could be a record 240,000.

Having received over 40 million international visitors between January to September 2022, Turkiye has exceeded all previous records and become one of the most popular MICE and FIT tourism destinations, globally. According to a press statement, Turkiye has received the highest number of visitors from the Russian Federation, Germany, and the UK, this year.

The performance this year puts Turkiye on path to match and exceed its performance of 2019 when it received 52 million foreign visitors, contributing to the country’s USD 34.5 billion tourism revenue. It had risen to the sixth-most visited nation in the world as a result of these figures.

Amongst the fastest growth markets for Turkiye Tourism is India. The statement adds that travel from India to Turkiye increased significantly after direct flights resumed at the end of March this year, with the country receiving over 1,55,000 Indian visitors from January to September.

The statement says that Turkiye expects a high number of Indian visitors as India’s wedding season is in full swing, and many couples are travelling to Turkiye to host their destination weddings, in the country. The upcoming festive and holiday seasons combined will also add to the number of Indian travellers visiting Turkiye as most of them prefer taking leisure vacations, this time of the year. Additionally, with carriers like Turkish Airlines and Indigo that offer daily direct flights to Turkiye, it is even more convenient for Indians to visit the country.

Globally, in 2022, Turkiye is expecting over 50 million foreign tourists, generating USD 44 billion in tourism revenue.