Turkish Tourism Sector Anticipates Steady Growth and Rising Costs Heading Into 2026

Outlook on Turkish Tourism: Growth with Caution

The Turkish tourism industry is looking ahead to 2026 with cautious optimism. Professionals in the field anticipate a rise in visitor numbers, mostly fueled by travelers from Europe and the Russian-CIS regions. However, the persistent challenge of high operational expenses and inflation is tempering these growth expectations.

Review of 2025 Performance

The year 2025 presented a mixed bag of results for the Turkish tourism sector. Approximately 56% of businesses witnessed or forecasted increased activity compared to the previous year, with some experiencing growth rates ranging between 5% and 19%. Conversely, nearly a third stayed at flat levels, and 18% saw downturns. This sets a varied but generally positive backdrop for the industry's outlook.

What Lies Ahead for 2026?

Looking forward, about 62% of industry stakeholders expect tourist arrivals to surpass those of 2025, forecasting a modest increase generally between 5% and 10%. A small fraction, roughly 7%, anticipate a decline, while around 31% expect visitor numbers to stabilize.

Key Source Markets Driving Growth

Europe remains the primary source of inbound travelers contributing to growth, with half the industry professionals forecasting a moderate upturn in arrivals from this region. The Russian and CIS markets follow closely; almost half expect these markets to grow, while a significant portion predicts steady numbers. Domestic tourism is also anticipated to strengthen, with half the respondents signaling increased activity by local travelers.

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