Minister Ersoy Addresses Palandöken Forum: Private Sector and Government Collaboration
Turkey Aims for Top Three in Global Tourism Rankings
Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Minister, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, recently announced that the country is likely to finish 2024 as the fourth largest tourism economy in the world. Addressing attendees at the Economic Cooperation Organization (EIT) Forum in Erzurum, Ersoy emphasized that this achievement is just the beginning. "We will not stop here; our goal is to be among the top three tourism markets globally," he affirmed.
Ersoy highlighted the evolving nature of tourism, stating that it has transformed beyond a mere holiday activity. "Tourism is now an ecosystem that integrates culture, diplomacy, innovation, and trade," he explained. This broad perspective not only supports local development and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) but also plays a vital role in creating job opportunities for women and young people.
In 2024, Turkey recorded a substantial $61.1 billion in tourism revenue and welcomed 62.3 million international visitors. "While we’ve made significant strides, we are determined to break into the top three," Ersoy declared.
The minister pointed out that travel and tourism contribute approximately 12% to Turkey’s GDP, a figure that continues to grow as the nation leverages its natural richness and cultural heritage. He vowed that these contributions would be highlighted more effectively in the coming years.
Ersoy also expressed optimism about the future of tourism in Turkey, supported by recent collaborations with EIT tourism ministers. He stressed the importance of infrastructure development to enhance communications and trade, advocating for the need to strengthen connectivity among member states.
To further bolster tourism growth, Ersoy called for expanding air travel connections. "We have built airports and purchased aircraft, yet artificial constraints such as slot limitations hinder us. We must work collectively to streamline air transportation, making it easier for people to travel and facilitate trade," he asserted.
Emphasizing unity among nations, Ersoy concluded, "The more we are in unity, the stronger we will be against the challenges we face. Tourism is no longer as simple as it once was; everyone wants a piece of the pie. We must strategically navigate this landscape to ensure Turkey remains a top player in the global tourism market."
