Istanbul Achieves Record Tourism Numbers: 13.5 Million Visitors in 9 Months

Turkey's Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, has announced a remarkable milestone for Istanbul's tourism sector. In the first nine months of 2025, Istanbul welcomed an impressive 13.5 million tourists, marking a significant 12% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

This growth rate substantially exceeds global tourism averages, reinforcing Istanbul's position among the world's most visited cities. Minister Ersoy emphasized that this achievement demonstrates Istanbul's successful recovery from the pandemic and its continued appeal as a global destination.

Beyond attracting visitors, Istanbul has evolved into a major tourism hub through successful fairs and events. The city's dynamic approach to hosting international tourism events has strengthened its reputation as a key player in the global tourism industry.

Looking ahead, Minister Ersoy expressed optimism about year-end targets, projecting that Istanbul could close 2025 with over 18 million tourists. This ambitious goal reflects the city's sustained momentum and growing popularity as a premier international destination.