Turkish outbound travel reached record levels in 2024, with 11,390,520 travelers heading abroad and generating a total expenditure of $7.7 billion.
The surge in international trips reflects the growing demand for overseas travel among Turkish citizens despite ongoing visa challenges and fluctuating economic conditions.
According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the number of Turkish travelers heading abroad has steadily increased following the pandemic. In 2018, outbound travel stood at 8.38 million, rising to 9.65 million in 2019 before experiencing a sharp decline due to global travel restrictions in 2020 and 2021. However, with 7.26 million travelers recorded in 2022, the numbers quickly rebounded, culminating in the record-breaking figures of 2024.
Among the top destinations, Georgia and Bulgaria remained popular choices, largely due to their accessibility and lower travel costs. However, the Balkan region has witnessed a significant rise in Turkish visitors, driven by visa-free travel options and cultural similarities. Countries such as North Macedonia, Albania, and Montenegro have become increasingly attractive to Turkish travelers seeking affordable and convenient trips abroad.
For travelers who secured visas, Western and Central European countries such as Italy, Spain, France, and Austria remained top choices, particularly for those with green passports. Meanwhile, Egypt emerged as a leading destination for both cultural tourism and seaside vacations, attracting Turkish tourists with its rich history and cost-effective travel packages.
Visa restrictions have played a key role in shaping travel trends, as many tour operators have adapted their offerings to focus on destinations that do not require extensive visa procedures. The rise in demand for five-day package tours highlights the increasing preference for short-haul, budget-friendly vacations, particularly among middle-class travelers.
Looking ahead to 2025, industry experts predict that Greece and Egypt will continue to dominate as preferred destinations, particularly due to Greece’s ongoing visa-on-arrival program and Egypt’s growing popularity among Turkish tour operators. Additionally, the appeal of the Balkans is expected to remain strong, fueled by a mix of historical charm, affordability, and relaxed entry requirements.
Despite the economic challenges, Turkish travelers have demonstrated a strong willingness to explore international destinations, with tourism spending continuing to rise. As outbound travel continues its upward trajectory, tour operators are adjusting their strategies to cater to evolving preferences, ensuring that Turkish travelers have more options to explore the world.
