ANKARA, Türkiye / AsiaWire.IO / – Türkiye aims to secure the position of the sixth-highest-earning tourism nation worldwide, as outlined in its 2027 central government budget proposal. Anadolu Agency reported that the budget 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 for 2027, representing nearly a 30% rise in sector investment.
The proposed budget supports Ankara’s Medium-Term Programme (MTP), which sets tourism revenue targets 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 over the following two years, with tourism income potentially surpassing last year’s record of $65.2 billion by about 20% in 2029.
Last year, tourism earnings reached an all-time high of $65.2 billion. Initially, Ankara targeted $68 billion for 2026 but later revised this to $65 billion, citing ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and issues in the Middle East. The new goal for 2027 exceeds the revised 2026 figure by $5 billion and is approximately $4.8 billion higher than the previous year’s record.
Projected rise to sixth place in global tourism revenue
Global tourism revenue data from the World Tourism Organisation support the forecasted ranking improvements. Türkiye is expected to rank seventh this year and move into sixth place in 2027 as revenue grows. If the country hits its $70 billion target and advances in the rankings, projections indicate it could reach fifth place by 2028, placing Türkiye among the top echelon of international tourism earners.
Türkiye has made rapid progress in global tourism rankings since 2017, moving from 15th to seventh in revenue. Tourist arrivals have also improved, rising from eighth to fourth place, with forecasts suggesting Türkiye will maintain its fourth position in arrivals through 2029. These rankings highlight its status as a leading international destination.
Goals for the World Economic Forum index set to reach 33rd by 2029
The government also intends to enhance Türkiye’s ranking in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI). Last year, the country was ranked 36th. The target is to climb to 35th in 2027, then 34th in 2028, and ultimately 33rd in 2029. The TTDI assesses policies and factors that support the growth of national travel and tourism sectors.
Overall, the combined objectives for revenue, visitor numbers, and index position aim to reinforce Türkiye’s standing as a top global travel destination. The increased 2027 budget provides additional resources to achieve these ambitions, following a year impacted by regional conflicts. Final data for 2026 will reveal how closely the sector approaches its revised $65 billion target.