Tourism in Istanbul is the most attractive option for traveling to Turkey, as it is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. The city has attracted a large number of international tourists in recent years due to its diverse climate, tourist and historical sites, and various activities. In 2023, more than 16 million tourists visited Istanbul, an increase of 9% from 2022, as Istanbul welcomed 14.7 million foreign tourists, according to the Istanbul Culture and Tourism Directorate.
The nationalities of tourists visiting Istanbul were diverse, as the city welcomed tourists from 195 countries around the world. Russian, German, Iranian, American, and Saudi tourists topped the list of nationalities whose citizens visited Istanbul during the year 2023.
This remarkable growth can be attributed to several factors, including:
- The political and security stability enjoyed by Turkey.
- The diverse range of tourist attractions in Istanbul, including historical, religious, cultural, and entertainment landmarks.
- The advanced infrastructure of the city, including transportation networks, tourist services, and facilities.
- The reasonable cost of traveling to Istanbul compared to other global tourist destinations.
This statistical data serves as a positive indicator for the tourism sector in Turkey, reaffirming Istanbul’s status as a leading global tourist destination that attracts visitors from around the world.
Turkish officials are striving to increase the number of tourists coming to the country by promoting various tourist attractions and attracting investments to the tourism sector.
Istanbul serves as a successful model of an integrated tourist destination, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment, making it an ideal destination for tourists of all ages and interests.