Türkiye is one of the world's favorite travel destinations for tourists with its unique beauties and fascination. Türkiye, which reached last year with 51.4 million tourists and 46.3 billion dollars in tourism revenue, ranked fourth among the world's top tourist countries according to the World Tourism Organization's 2022 data. Türkiye is expected to continue this success and achieve record-breaking visitor and tourism revenues this year as well.

60 million visitors

Türkiye aims to maintain its momentum in tourism in 2023, targeting 60 million visitors and 56 billion dollars in revenues. Türkiye's plans for the next five years are also based on strong growth focus, and its 2028 targets are 90 million tourists and $100 billion in tourism revenues.

Türkiye aims to increase domestic and international tourism by expanding tourism to 12 months and to the whole country within the framework of the main targets in its tourism strategies. Taking important steps towards product diversity in tourism, Türkiye is working on gastronomy, sports, faith, cycling, thermal, health, cruise, and cultural routes. Türkiye continues to expand into new focus markets while continuing its activities in its existing markets. To this end, Türkiye carries out promotional activities in 200 countries and presents its tourism values to the masses in all their details. Türkiye's global promotion portal "GoTürkiye" website (https://goturkiye.com/), one of the most successful digital platforms in the world in its field, and its social media accounts provide the opportunity to discover every privilege, originality, and value that Türkiye has in the field of culture and tourism under many different headings.

Saudi Tourists Prefer Türkiye

With its impressive destinations, nature, history, gastronomy, quality of accommodation, and shopping opportunities, Türkiye is positioned as one of the most important attractions on Saudi tourists' itineraries. Considering the historical and cultural ties between the two countries, Türkiye is also an important destination where Saudi citizens feel at home during their vacations. The brotherly relations between the two countries are also reflected in tourism. While nearly 500,000 Saudi tourists visited Türkiye last year, this number reached 650,000 in the January-August period this year. The number of Saudi tourists is expected to reach 1 million by the end of the year.

Saudi guests benefit from tourism opportunities in many parts of the country for 12 months. Istanbul, one of the world's leading travel destinations, is the first choice of Gulf tourists in Türkiye. The city's popular centers such as Istiklal Street and the Historical Peninsula, as well as its wide range from the Grand Bazaar to luxury shopping malls, increase interest in the city day by day. Other destinations such as Bursa, Bolu, and Trabzon are also among the favorites of Gulf tourists in Türkiye, while Cappadocia, one of the most fascinating geographical regions of Türkiye with its magnificent fairy chimneys, is among the new destinations for Saudi tourists.

In addition to its rich culture, history, and wonderful climate, Türkiye also impresses Saudi tourists with its rich cuisine. From the famous Turkish breakfast to delicious kebabs, from baklava to Turkish delight consumed with Turkish coffee, visitors from Saudi Arabia have an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Istanbul, which has been voted the best travel destination by the readers of the world's most important travel magazines for the last two years, has also been included in the Michelin Guide. Following Istanbul, Izmir and Bodrum were also included in the Michelin Guide's selection in Türkiye this year. Saudi tourists can experience Aegean and Mediterranean cuisine in Izmir and Bodrum's restaurants, as well as local delicacies and a selection of international cuisine.

Another reason why Gulf tourists prefer Türkiye is health tourism. Türkiye attracts visitors from many parts of the world with its advanced health system and quality services in this field. The success stories of Turkish doctors, Türkiye's full-fledged health centers, and medical treatments are among the main reasons for this interest. Recently, health tourism has also attracted great interest from Gulf tourists. Saudi patients are offered services in many fields such as hair transplantation, dental and other aesthetic operations as well as cardiovascular surgery and oncology.

Türkiye is an enchanting destination for Saudi tourists, offering a delightful blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and culinary delights. With warm Turkish hospitality and a wide range of attractions, it's no wonder that more Saudi travelers are discovering the magic of this captivating nation. Türkiye promises an experience that will leave Saudi tourists with unforgettable memories for a lifetime.