ANKARA, Türkiye / AsiaWire.IO / – According to its 2027 central government budget draft, Turkey aims to secure the position of the sixth-highest-earning tourism nation worldwide. Anadolu Agency reported that the draft proposes a tourism budget of $244.5 million, compared to $188.4 million allocated this year. This increased funding aligns with a revenue goal of $70 billion set for 2027. The plan indicates nearly a 30% rise in sector funding.
The budget increase corresponds with Ankara’s Medium-Term Programme, or MTP, which outlines tourism revenue targets of $70 billion in 2027, $73.5 billion in 2028, and $78.5 billion in 2029. This trajectory suggests incremental gains of $3.5 billion and $5 billion over the subsequent two years. By 2029, annual tourism income is expected to surpass last year’s record by approximately 20%.
Tourism earnings reached an all-time high of $65.2 billion last year. Initially, Ankara aimed for $68 billion in 2026 but subsequently lowered that target to $65 billion. Officials cited the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and regional instability as reasons for the adjustment. The new 2027 goal exceeds the revised 2026 figure by $5 billion and surpasses last year’s record by about $4.8 billion.
Projected Rise to Sixth in Global Revenue
Data from the World Tourism Organization underpins projections for Türkiye’s ranking in tourism revenue. The country is forecasted to rank seventh this year and advance to sixth in 2027 as revenue figures grow. If the $70 billion target is met and rankings improve, subsequent estimates suggest Türkiye could reach fifth place by 2028. Each progression would place the nation among a smaller group of the top global tourism earners.
Türkiye has experienced rapid advancement in worldwide tourism rankings since 2017. Its position in tourism revenue improved from 15th to seventh place over that period. In terms of total tourist arrivals, the country moved from eighth to fourth place. Forecasts indicate Türkiye will maintain its fourth-place standing from 2027 through 2029, reaffirming its status as one of the most visited destinations globally.
Goals for WEF Travel and Tourism Index to Reach 33rd by 2029
The government also targets an improved ranking for Türkiye in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index, or TTDI. Last year, the nation was projected to be placed 36th. Ankara’s plan is to move up to 35th in 2027, then to 34th in 2028, and finally to 33rd in 2029. The TTDI evaluates policies and factors that support the development of national travel and tourism sectors.
The combined objectives related to revenue, arrivals, and index positioning are aimed at establishing Türkiye as a leading global travel destination. The expanded 2027 budget provides additional resources to pursue these ambitions. This comes after a year marked by regional conflicts that impacted tourism outlooks. Final data for 2026 will reveal how closely the sector approaches its revised $65 billion target.