More Chinese Tourists to Antalya After Turkey Visa Waiver

Antalya is preparing for a potential surge in visitors from China following Turkey’s recent decision to introduce visa-free travel for Chinese citizens. Turkey’s Mediterranean tourism capital welcomed a record 17.12 million foreign visitors last year, while arrivals from China exceeded 10,500, according to industry figures.

China Seen as a Key Long-Haul Growth Market

Kaan Kaşif Kavaloğlu, President of the Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers and Operators Association, described China as one of the world’s most important tourism source markets. Kavaloğlu said that Turkey is positioned to attract long-haul travellers thanks to its geographic and cultural diversity.

Kavaloğlu went on to say that: “Countries like China and the U.S. are very serious source markets for us. With seven geographical regions, Turkey has the ability to appeal to every type of traveller.”

Visa-Free Travel Expected to Accelerate Demand

Under a recent presidential decree, Chinese citizens can now enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism and transit purposes. Tourism leaders say the announcement has been well received in China.

Kavaloğlu noted that more than 400,000 Chinese tourists visited Turkey in 2025, adding that news of the visa waiver was widely reported and generated strong interest. Industry engagement has also intensified across Chinese travel platforms.

Antalya and Istanbul as New Meeting Points

Kavaloğlu suggested that Antalya and Istanbul could emerge as gathering points for Chinese travellers living both in Europe and mainland China. He also highlighted the popularity of Turkish television series in China, noting that cultural exposure is increasingly influencing travel choices. He said: “Just as we see with other nationalities, Antalya and Istanbul may become new meeting points for Chinese visitors. I see this development very positively.”

Cultural Tourism and Shoulder Seasons in Focus

Chinese travellers are particularly drawn to historical sites and cultural experiences, a trend Antalya is well placed to benefit from. Kavaloğlu said Chinese visitors typically prefer to travel during April and December, avoiding peak summer crowds.

Tourism leaders believe that with new promotion, improved air connectivity, and continued investment, Chinese arrivals could eventually exceed 2 million. The visa waiver is viewed as a strategic move that will boost arrivals from China and strengthen Turkey’s position in long-haul global travel markets.