Why did WTTC visit Antalya this week? The answer lies in Turkey’s booming travel and tourism industry, which is expected to contribute an estimated 5.2 trillion TL to the country’s economy in 2025. That projection, provided by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), would make up nearly 12% of Turkey’s GDP, further cementing its role as a global tourism powerhouse.
WTTC Forecasts Strong Growth for Turkey’s Travel Sector
According to the WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), Turkey is set to break tourism records in 2025. Visitor spending—both domestic and international—is rising rapidly. Projections show international visitor expenditures reaching 2.6 trillion TL, while domestic tourism is expected to generate 1.4 trillion TL.
The total impact of the sector includes a significant boost to employment. WTTC anticipates that Turkey’s travel and tourism industry will support 3.3 million jobs in 2025, which would represent over 10% of total national employment. These jobs span across a wide range of subsectors such as accommodations, transportation, dining, and cultural services.
Key Projections for 2025
| Indicator | Projected Value (2025) |
|---|---|
| Economic Contribution | 5.2 trillion TL |
| GDP Share | ~12% |
| International Visitor Spending | 2.6 trillion TL |
| Domestic Visitor Spending | 1.4 trillion TL |
| Employment Impact | 3.3 million jobs |
WTTC’s Visit: A Symbolic and Strategic Stop
WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson visited Antalya at the invitation of Ayhan Bektaş, Chairman of Coral Travel Group. During her visit, Simpson met with key figures including Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin and Antalya Metropolitan Mayor Muhittin Böcek.She also held discussions with top tourism leaders like Yusuf Hacısüleyman of the Antalya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ATSO), Erkan Yağcı of the Turkish Hoteliers Federation (TUROFED), Kaan Kavaloğlu of the Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers and Investors Association (AKTOB), and Oya Narin of the Turkish Tourism Investors Association (TTYD).
These meetings focused on evaluating the state of the Turkish tourism industry and identifying opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and investment. One outcome of these discussions was a mutual agreement to support promotional events aimed at elevating Antalya’s global tourism profile.
Why Antalya?
- Strategic coastal location with world-class resorts
- One of Turkey’s most visited tourism hubs
- Major base for Coral Travel Group operations
- Strong public-private collaboration in tourism
Simpson praised Turkey’s resilience and dynamism, stating that the anticipated growth in 2025 reflects the country’s global appeal and strong domestic travel activity. She emphasized the need for continued investment and innovation to maintain Turkey’s competitive edge in international tourism.
Coral Travel Group’s Expanding Global Footprint
Founded in 1992, Coral Travel Group has become a key player in both Turkey (Türkiye) and Europe, serving over 35 million travelers over the past three decades. With 38 companies operating in 23 countries, the group provides services in tour operations, hospitality, aviation, security, IT, and travel agency management.
Some of Coral’s notable brands and services include:
- Coral Travel – Operating in 15 countries as a tour operator and agency
- ODEON Tours – Destination services across 8 countries
- Coral Group Hotels – Including Seven Seas Hotels, Marvida Hotels, and Xanadu Resort
- ODEONBEDS – Hotel bed bank solutions
- ODEON Yazılım ve Teknoloji – IT services
- ODEON Güvenlik – Security and consultancy
Ayhan Bektaş expressed pride in the sector’s accomplishments and Coral Travel Group’s role in shaping it. He emphasized the importance of continued public-private partnerships in building sustainable tourism strategies for Turkey’s future.
Looking Toward 2035
WTTC’s long-term projections are even more optimistic. By 2035, Turkey’s travel and tourism sector is expected to reach a whopping 7 trillion TL in economic value. If realized, this growth would further entrench Turkey among the top global destinations and underline the significance of continued investments in infrastructure, digital transformation, and traveler experience.
The visit by WTTC leadership to Antalya, therefore, signals more than just a symbolic gesture—it marks a renewed commitment to working with Turkish stakeholders to achieve shared tourism goals for the decade ahead.
As global travelers continue to seek authentic, enriching experiences, Turkey is well-positioned to deliver. With destinations like Antalya leading the charge, 2025 may just be the beginning of a new golden age for Turkish tourism.
