Turkiye: A Rising Destination for Indian Travelers in 2023

Turkiye has garnered increasing popularity among Indian tourists, attracting them for weddings and holidays, resulting in a remarkable surge in inbound travel from India this year. In fact, Turkiye has surpassed all previous records, experiencing an impressive 88.03 percent rise in visitors from India until April 2023 alone. In the previous year, the destination welcomed 232,000 visitors from India.

From January to May 2023, Turkiye has already welcomed 14 million international visitors, marking a 23.65 percent increase compared to the previous year. The destination has set its sights on hosting 60 million international visitors and generating 56 billion USD in tourism revenue for 2023.

In 2022, Turkiye received over 51 million international visitors, contributing to a tourism revenue of 46 billion USD. Even before the pandemic in 2019, Turkiye welcomed 51 million international visitors, with a significant share comprising Indian tourists.

Top Cities visited by Indian Tourists

Among the cities in Turkiye, Istanbul and Nevsehir have emerged as the top choices for Indian travelers, alluring them with their breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Turkiye has become the preferred destination for Indian travelers seeking flexible independent travel (FIT) experiences and corporate meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) segments, resulting in a substantial increase in visits this year.

As the wedding season approaches, Turkiye anticipates welcoming even more Indian visitors by the end of 2023. Many Indian couples are now opting for Turkiye's picturesque destinations to celebrate their weddings, with Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, and Cappadocia ranking among the most popular cities.

Additionally, the holiday season is expected to witness a surge in Indian tourists as they seek leisure vacations to unwind and relax towards the end of the year. Turkiye's unparalleled beauty, encompassing historical landmarks, delectable local cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and a lively art and music scene, serves as a captivating draw for Indian travelers.