The figures were presented by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, at a press conference in Istanbul.

According to the minister, Turkish tourism has consolidated a global dimension, with ambitious goals for the future. "Our objective is to reach $68 billion in revenue by 2026," he stated.

The Portuguese market maintained a growth trajectory throughout the year. Between January and December 2025, Turkey welcomed 122,992 tourists from Portugal, a 9.45 percent increase from 2024.

This growth reflects the continued interest of Portuguese travellers in the country's diverse tourism offerings, including culture, historical heritage, gastronomy, and urban tourism.

Data from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation confirms the evolution of Turkey's international positioning. In 2017, the country ranked eighth among the world's most-visited destinations, rising to fourth in 2024. In the ranking of tourism revenue, the rise was equally significant, from 15th to seventh place in the same period.

Mehmet Nuri Ersoy also highlighted the sector's ability to adapt to adverse conditions and its commitment to diversifying its offerings, which now extends beyond traditional sun-and-beach tourism. Turkey is also establishing itself in segments such as cultural and religious tourism, ecotourism, archaeology, health and thermal tourism, gastronomy, congresses and fairs, cruises, and winter tourism.

Among the ongoing strategic projects, the minister highlighted the "Heritage for the Future" initiative and the Night Museums program, which reinforce the country's position in the valorisation and protection of cultural heritage. In the area of ​​international promotion, he also highlighted the impact of miniseries, noting that the production "An Istanbul Story" recorded 32 million views in a single episode.