Doya Vibes

Two of the four most-visited cities in the world are in Turkey, and with the recent lift of visa requirements, the country is expected to see even more tourists in 2024.

Travel has nearly bounced back to its pre-pandemic levels. In November 2023, the UN World Tourism Organization reported that international travel was on track to reach 90% of pre-pandemic numbers, with around 975 million people traveling abroad throughout the year. Among these global travelers, Turkey has emerged as a shared destination of choice.

In December, Euromonitor International published its Top 100 City Destinations Index 2023, ranking the most popular cities for international visitors. Surprisingly, two of the top four most-visited cities worldwide are in Turkey: Istanbul and Antalya.

“Istanbul tops the list for international arrivals in 2023, with a 26% year-on-year growth, followed by London in second place (up 17%) and Dubai in third (up 18%),” the report states. This might not be shocking given that Istanbul is a sprawling megalopolis of 15.5 million people—the largest in Europe. However, it’s more remarkable that Antalya, a smaller city on the Turkish Riviera with a population of 1.3 million, welcomed 16.5 million international tourists. This number surpasses cities like Paris (population: 2.1 million), Hong Kong (7.4 million), Bangkok (11 million), and New York City (8.5 million), and is more than 12 times Antalya’s own population.

Antalya has long been a beloved travel spot for Germans, Russians, and Brits, who make up a significant portion of its international visitors. Its turquoise waters, mild winters, hot summers, and 300 days of sunshine have made it a top beach destination. But beyond its beaches, Antalya’s stunning setting on a limestone plateau with Roman ruins and Ottoman-era homes made Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, declare, “There is no doubt that Antalya is the most beautiful place in the world.”

Due to a massive increase in available flights, more people are getting the chance to experience Antalya’s charm. According to the Euromonitor International report, Antalya saw a 29% increase in international visitors in 2023 compared to the previous year.

“Antalya is not only an important tourism centre for Turkey, but also for the world. It meets visitors’ expectations with its natural beauty, rich history, waterfalls, mountains, beaches, and delicious cuisine,” says Banu Aydoğdu, a retired schoolteacher who now runs Turkish cooking classes in the region. “I believe people fall in love with Antalya because it offers more than just a vacation.”

But it’s not just Istanbul and Antalya that are drawing visitors. Data from the State Airports Authority Directorate General shows that domestic and international flight arrivals across Turkey surged by 16.3% year-over-year in 2023, and the nation seems set to welcome even more travelers this year.

In January 2024, Turkey removed the requirement for travelers from the US, Canada, and Mexico to obtain an e-visa for stays under 90 days. This relaxation of entry rules is likely to further boost international arrivals, which grew by 10.4% in 2023 to more than 49 million visitors. Additionally, Turkey remains an affordable destination, with the cost of living estimated to be 54% lower than in the US, making it especially appealing to American tourists.

Another major draw for visitors is Turkey’s expanding medical tourism industry. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, 1.2 million people traveled to Turkey in 2022 for medical treatments, representing a 308% rise compared to 2021. In the first half of 2023 alone, an additional 746,290 medical tourists visited the country. Antalya is particularly known for dental tourism, with many dentists and dental tourism operators offering to cover patients’ travel and accommodation costs as part of all-inclusive packages.

But beyond the economic advantages, many visitors are drawn to Turkey to rejuvenate both physically and mentally.

“Antalya … offers a wide range of natural beauties, historical ruins dating back thousands of years, action sports, and health tourism,” says Antalya tour guide Avni Coşar. “The Mediterranean calmness and serene life of the city promise peace.”

With a unique combination of rich history, stunning landscapes, and expanding tourism infrastructure, Turkey is set to remain a premier global destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.