Istanbul has set a new record by welcoming 5,244,936 foreign visitors in the first four months of 2024. This impressive achievement represents a 9.94% increase compared to the same period last year.
In April alone, Istanbul received 1,478,218 foreign visitors, marking a 14.60% increase from April of the previous year. This surge has solidified Istanbul’s status as the driving force of Turkish tourism.
The most significant number of visitors in April came from the Russian Federation, with 167,824 arrivals. Germany followed with 109,202 visitors, and Iran came in third with 80,193 visitors. The United States ranked fourth with 68,103 visitors, followed by France, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia.
Most visitors arrived via air travel. Istanbul Airport was the preferred entry point for 1,063,035 foreign visitors in April, accounting for 72.86% of all air arrivals. Sabiha Gökçen Airport saw 394,772 foreign visitors, making up 27.06% of the total air arrivals.
April 2024 saw a 15.54% increase in foreign visitors arriving by air compared to April 2023, totaling 1,459,083 visitors. Additionally, 19,135 foreign visitors arrived by sea during the same month.
The Ministry reported that in March 2024, 1,004,536 visitors stayed in ministry-certified accommodation, resulting in 2,219,479 overnight stays. The average stay duration was 2.21 days. Istanbul’s accommodation facilities had a 45.85% occupancy rate in March.
This record-breaking influx of tourists underscores Istanbul’s growing appeal as a top global destination.
