Türkiye, renowned for its captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is setting ambitious targets for tourism growth in 2024, with a particular focus on attracting a substantial 30% increase in the number of Indian visitors. Onur Gozet, the Deputy General Director of Promotion at the Turkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism, shared insights into Türkiye’s strategic vision for fostering bilateral ties with India and enhancing the overall travel experience between the two nations.
In an exclusive interview with PTI, Gozet emphasized the unwavering commitment of Türkiye to developing robust tourism relations with India. The Ministry stands poised to actively support the initiatives undertaken by the Indian tourism authority to augment the influx of Turkish visitors to India. This commitment is further underscored by the close collaboration with the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), the largest and most influential tourism association in India.
Highlighting the growing allure of Türkiye among Indian tourists, Gozet reported a substantial 17% increase in arrivals, reaching an estimated 2.7 lakh visitors in 2023, compared to 2.3 lakh in 2022. Undeterred by the challenges posed by the global pandemic, Türkiye is setting an ambitious goal to host more than 3.5 lakh Indian visitors by the conclusion of 2024.
Türkiye’s resurgence as a major “comeback destination” in a 2023 global travel report reflects its remarkable 73% surge in visitor numbers compared to pre-pandemic levels. This growth outpaced renowned European destinations, including a 33% increase in France and a 31% increase in Spain. The country’s unique appeal lies in its picturesque beaches, a rich European-influenced cultural tapestry, and architectural marvels, all offered at competitive prices compared to other European hotspots.
Gozet highlighted Türkiye’s commitment to providing a seamless and time-efficient experience for Indian travelers. The availability of e-visas has proven to be a significant facilitator, with 75% of Indian tourists opting for this travel document in 2023.
Beyond leisure tourism, Gozet shed light on the significance of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and weddings as pivotal segments for the Turkish tourism sector in the Indian market. Türkiye ensures a streamlined process for Indian MICE and wedding groups, including the waiver of most documents in their applications.
Recognizing the growth potential, particularly from India, Gozet shared that there is a concerted effort to increase visibility and presence in Kolkata, a city hosting the headquarters of prominent Indian tour operators.
Despite tourism being a key foreign exchange earner for Türkiye, the country remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability efforts. This underscores the importance of responsible tourism practices alongside growth initiatives. As Türkiye ambitiously charts its course for tourism expansion, the nation stands as a beacon of hospitality and cultural richness, inviting Indian travelers to explore its diverse offerings in the coming year.
