ANKARA, Türkiye / AsiaWire.IO / – In Ankara, the Turkish government has outlined ambitions to rank as the sixth-largest global tourism revenue generator by 2027, as detailed in its central budget proposal for that year. Anadolu Agency reported that the draft allocates $244.5 million for tourism, up from $188.4 million this year. This increased budget aligns with a revenue goal of $70 billion for 2027. The plan envisions nearly a 30% boost in sector funding.
This allocation aligns with Ankara’s Medium-Term Programme, known as the MTP, which sets tourism revenue targets of $70 billion in 2027, $73.5 billion in 2028, and $78.5 billion in 2029. The trajectory indicates growth of $3.5 billion and then $5 billion over the next two years. By 2029, annual tourism earnings are expected to surpass last year’s record by approximately 20%.
Tourism revenue reached an all-time high of $65.2 billion last year. Although Ankara initially aimed for $68 billion in 2026, the target was later revised down to $65 billion. Officials explained this revision was due to ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East. The new goal for 2027 exceeds the adjusted 2026 figure by $5 billion and is about $4.8 billion higher than last year’s record.
Forecasts suggest a rise to sixth in global revenue rankings
Data from the World Tourism Organization underpin the expectations for Türkiye’s ranking. The country is projected to rank seventh this year and to climb to sixth in 2027 as tourism revenues grow. If the country hits its $70 billion target and advances in the rankings, projections indicate it could reach fifth place by 2028. Each step would position Türkiye among the world’s top tourism earners.
Türkiye has made rapid progress in global tourism rankings since 2017, moving from 15th to seventh in tourism revenue during that period. In terms of total tourist arrivals, it advanced from eighth to fourth place. Forecasts suggest Türkiye will maintain its fourth-place position in arrivals from 2027 through 2029, highlighting its status as one of the world’s most visited destinations.
TTDI ambitions aim for 33rd place by 2029
The government also seeks to enhance Türkiye’s standing within the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI). Last year, the country was projected to rank 36th. Ankara’s goal is to move up to 35th in 2027, then 34th in 2028, and finally 33rd in 2029. The index assesses factors and policies that support the development of national travel and tourism sectors.
These combined targets for revenue, arrivals, and the TTDI are designed to elevate Türkiye’s global position as a leading international travel destination. The expanded 2027 budget provides additional resources to pursue these objectives, following a year where regional conflicts impacted tourism expectations. Final 2026 data will reveal how closely the sector approaches its revised $65 billion target.