ANKARA, Türkiye / AsiaWire.IO / – According to its 2027 central government budget draft, Türkiye aims to rank as the sixth-highest-earning tourism nation worldwide. Anadolu Agency reported that the draft allocates $244.5 million to the tourism sector, compared to $188.4 million in the current year. This increased funding aligns with a revenue goal of $70 billion set for 2027. The plan envisions nearly a 30% rise in tourism funding.
This budget increase supports Ankara’s Medium-Term Programme, or MTP, which projects tourism revenues of $70 billion in 2027, $73.5 billion in 2028, and $78.5 billion in 2029. The plan indicates incremental gains of $3.5 billion and $5 billion over the following two years. By 2029, annual tourism income is expected to surpass last year’s record by approximately 20%.
Last year, tourism revenue reached a historic $65.2 billion. Initially, Ankara targeted $68 billion for 2026 but later adjusted that goal to $65 billion. Officials explained that the revision was due to ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, as well as tensions in the Middle East. The new 2027 target exceeds the revised 2026 figure by $5 billion and is about $4.8 billion higher than last year’s record.
Projection indicates rise to sixth in global revenue rankings
The ranking forecasts are supported by global tourism revenue data from the World Tourism Organisation. Türkiye is predicted to finish seventh this year and move up to sixth place in 2027 as revenues grow. If the country achieves its $70 billion goal and climbs in the rankings, subsequent projections suggest it could reach fifth place by 2028. Each step would solidify Türkiye’s position among the top tourism earners worldwide.
Türkiye has made rapid progress in global tourism standings since 2017, advancing from 15th to seventh place in tourism revenue. In total tourist arrivals, the country moved from eighth to fourth. Projections indicate Türkiye will maintain its fourth-place ranking in arrivals from 2027 through 2029, positioning it among the most visited destinations in the world.
Goals for WEF Travel and Tourism Development Index aim for 33rd position by 2029
The government also seeks to improve 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 national travel and tourism sectors.
The combined targets for revenue, tourist arrivals, and index rankings are designed to bolster Türkiye’s reputation as a leading global travel destination. The increased 2027 budget provides the sector with additional resources to pursue these ambitions. This comes after a year in which regional conflicts impacted tourism outlooks. Final 2026 data will reveal how closely the sector approaches its revised $65 billion goal.