Becoming increasingly popular among Indian tourists, particularly for weddings and holidays, Turkiye has witnessed a significant increase in inbound travel from India this year, surpassing all previous records with an 88.03 per cent rise in visitors until April 2023 alone. Last year, the destination welcomed 2,32,000 visitors from India.
During January-May 2023 period, the number of foreign visitors arriving in Turkiye stood at 14 million, which increased by 23.65 per cent compared to the previous year.
Turkiye had received over 51 million international visitors with a 46 billion USD tourism revenue in 2022. In 2023, the destination aims to host 60 million international visitors and get 56 billion USD tourism revenue.
The cities of Istanbul and Nevsehir have been the most frequented, attracting Indian tourists with their remarkable landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Turkiye has emerged as the preferred destination for Indian travellers seeking FIT and MICE segments, leading to a considerable upsurge in visits this year.
The ambassadors from countries including Turkey, Jamaica, Azerbaijan, Costa Rica and Spain, came together at the 1st edition of the Economic Times MICE & Wedding Tourism Summit and Awards, organised by ETTravelWorld. With each ambassador showcasing their country’s unique offerings, the immense potential of MICE and wedding tourism were brought to light as lucrative sectors for global travellers.
With the wedding season rapidly approaching, Turkiye is poised to welcome even more Indian visitors by the end of 2023. Many Indian couples are now choosing Turkiye’s picturesque destinations for their weddings, with Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, and Cappadocia being the most popular cities. Furthermore, the holiday season is also expected to witness a surge in Indian tourists, as many prefer to unwind and relax on leisure vacations towards the end of the year. Turkiye’s unparalleled beauty is owed to its historical landmarks, delectable local cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and lively art and music scene.
