Turkey recorded a 4.97% decline in foreign visitors in July 2025, with 6,969,546 arrivals compared to the same month last year, according to provisional data from the General Directorate of Security. The drop reflects weaker demand from key European and North American markets, alongside declines from Iran and Greece.
In the January–July 2025 period, total foreign visitor numbers fell 2.1% year-on-year. Despite the overall decrease, Germany remained the leading source market in July with 981,005 tourists, representing 14.08% of arrivals. Russia followed closely with 953,733 visitors, while the United Kingdom ranked third with 597,155 tourists.
Top Source Markets in July 2025
Germany accounted for the largest share of arrivals, continuing its role as Turkey’s most important inbound market. Russian tourists made up 13.68% of total visitors, while the United Kingdom contributed 8.57%. Poland and the Netherlands also featured prominently among the top five markets.
| Country | Number of Visitors | Share of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 981,005 | 14.08% |
| Russia | 953,733 | 13.68% |
| United Kingdom | 597,155 | 8.57% |
| Poland | Not specified | – |
| Netherlands | Not specified | – |
Declines in Key Markets
The data shows a significant decline in arrivals from several key countries. European arrivals fell by 202,998 compared to the same period last year, representing a 4.94% drop. The United States recorded one of the sharpest decreases, with arrivals down 21.91%, equal to 42,502 fewer tourists.
Visitor numbers from Iran also fell sharply, dropping from 312,554 in July 2024 to 253,523 in July 2025, a decline of 18.89%. Arrivals from Greece decreased 14.38% year-on-year.
Year-to-Date Performance
From January through July 2025, Turkey welcomed fewer foreign visitors compared to the same period in 2024. The overall 2.1% decline highlights weaker demand across multiple source markets, underscoring challenges for the tourism industry during the peak summer season.
The contraction in European markets is particularly notable, given the region’s role as Turkey’s largest inbound source. While Germany and Russia continue to contribute strong numbers, the fall in visitors from the United States, Iran, and Greece indicates broader headwinds affecting the sector.
Tourism Sector Implications
The July 2025 downturn reflects a shift in travel flows at a time when Turkey typically relies on peak summer traffic. The decline across multiple markets could affect revenue and put additional pressure on efforts to sustain growth in the wider tourism economy.
Authorities and industry stakeholders are expected to monitor trends in the coming months to determine whether the July figures represent a temporary dip or signal a more sustained slowdown. The data will be a key factor in shaping strategies for the remainder of the year, particularly as Turkey prepares for its autumn tourism campaigns.
Photo Credit: TravnikovStudio / Shutterstock.com
