British tourist arrivals to Turkey are continuing to rise, with annual visitor numbers nearing 4.5 million as the country strengthens its position as one of the world’s leading travel destinations. The figures highlight the resilience of Turkey’s tourism sector despite geopolitical tensions and wider global economic uncertainty.
British Demand for Turkey Holidays Continues to Grow
British Ambassador to Turkey, Jill Morris, said visitor numbers from the UK have increased steadily in recent years, rising from 3.8 million annual visitors in 2023 to almost 4.5 million today. The UK remains one of Turkey’s largest inbound tourism markets alongside Russia and Germany.
The continued growth reflects demand for Turkish coastal destinations such as Antalya, Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye, while Istanbul continues attracting city-break travellers interested in culture, gastronomy, shopping and historical tourism. Improved air connectivity between the UK and Turkey has also supported the rise in visitor numbers.
Industry observers note that British travellers continue to view Turkey as a highly competitive destination due to its combination of affordability, luxury hospitality, year-round sunshine, and tourism infrastructure. Rising costs across Europe have boosted Turkey’s popularity among British holidaymakers.
Tourism Remains Central to Turkey’s Economy
Tourism plays a major role within the Turkish economy, generating foreign currency revenues while supporting employment, infrastructure investment, and regional business activity. The sector has been one of the country’s strongest-performing industries in recent years, despite inflationary pressures and geopolitical instability across the wider region.
Official figures showed that Turkey welcomed nearly 64 million visitors in 2025, while tourism revenues exceeded $65 billion USD for the first time. Government targets for 2026 remain ambitious as authorities continue investing in airports, cruise tourism, hospitality and tourism marketing campaigns.
UK and Turkey Deepen Economic Cooperation
Economic and diplomatic ties between the UK and Turkey continue to strengthen across trade, defence cooperation, and investment activity. Discussions surrounding an updated free trade agreement remain ongoing, as both countries seek to expand bilateral commercial relations.
Jill Morris also highlighted the importance of strategic cooperation between the two countries through NATO partnerships and growing business activity between British and Turkish firms. The UK is one of Turkey’s most important economic partners across tourism, investment, and financial services.
Nezir Can 
Operations Manager
Nezir 'Nez' Can is Operations Manager at Property Turkey and a contributor on Turkish culture, lifestyle, and everyday life across the country. Since joining the company, he has helped international readers better understand what it is like to live, work, and settle in Turkey.
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