ANKARA, Türkiye / AsiaWire.IO / – According to its 2027 central government budget draft, Türkiye aims to rank as the sixth-highest-earning country in global tourism. Anadolu Agency reported that the draft proposes a tourism budget of $244.5 million, up from $188.4 million this year. This increased allocation aligns with a revenue target of $70 billion for 2027, representing nearly a 30% rise in sector funding under the plan.
The proposed budget aligns with Ankara’s Medium-Term Programme, known as the MTP, which establishes tourism revenue objectives of $70 billion in 2027, $73.5 billion in 2028, and $78.5 billion in 2029. This trajectory suggests growth of $3.5 billion and then $5 billion in the subsequent two years. By 2029, tourism earnings are projected to be roughly 20% higher than last year’s record of $65.2 billion.
Last year, tourism revenue reached a record $65.2 billion. Ankara initially aimed for $68 billion in 2026 but later revised that goal downward to $65 billion, citing the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East. The new target for 2027 exceeds the revised 2026 figure by $5 billion and is about $4.8 billion higher than last year’s record.
Projected rise to sixth place in global tourism revenue
The ranking projections are supported by data from the World Tourism Organisation. Türkiye is expected to finish seventh this year and move into sixth place in 2027 as tourism revenues grow. If the country reaches its $70 billion target and advances in the rankings, subsequent forecasts suggest it could be in fifth place by 2028. Each step would position Türkiye among a smaller group of the world’s top tourism earners.
Türkiye has experienced rapid progress in global tourism rankings since 2017, moving from 15th to seventh place in tourism revenue. Its total tourist arrivals increased from eighth to fourth place. Projections indicate Türkiye will maintain its fourth-place standing in arrivals from 2027 through 2029. These rankings affirm the country’s position among the world’s most visited destinations.
Goals for WEF Travel and Tourism Development Index aim for 33rd place by 2029
The government also seeks to enhance Türkiye’s standing in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index, or TTDI. Last year, the country was projected to rank 36th. Ankara’s goal is to climb to 35th place in 2027, then 34th in 2028, and reach 33rd in 2029. The index evaluates factors and policies that facilitate the growth of a nation’s travel and tourism sectors.
The combined targets for revenue, arrivals, and index improvement are aimed at solidifying Türkiye’s role as a leading global travel destination. The expanded 2027 budget provides additional resources for sector development to achieve these ambitions. It comes after a year in which regional conflicts impacted tourism outlooks. Final data for 2026 will reveal how closely the sector approaches its revised $65 billion goal.