Türkiye aims to significantly enhance its tourism services by diversifying its offerings and plans to welcome 1 million Chinese tourists by the end of 2025, Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said in a written interview with Xinhua.
“We are carrying out many initiatives in the tourism sector simultaneously to ensure our Chinese guests can experience the beauty of our country, feel at home, and return in increasing numbers every year,” Ersoy said.
According to data from the Ministry, Türkiye has seen a remarkable rise in the number of Chinese tourists in recent years. In 2024, nearly 410,000 Chinese tourists visited the country, marking a 65 percent increase from the previous year.
Ersoy noted that outdoor and scenic tours remain the most popular choices among Chinese tourists, while gastronomic experiences, cultural and historical sites, beach resorts, and wellness tourism also draw significant attention. In response, Türkiye is highlighting various destinations across the country, including Silk Road routes, as well as unique activities such as Night Museums and food tours.
Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Türkiye is home to world-renowned destinations including Istanbul — the vibrant cultural hub, Cappadocia — famous for its fairy chimneys, and Pamukkale — known for its thermal travertine terraces.
The minister also stated that Türkiye is working on improving infrastructure to better accommodate Chinese visitors. “Istanbul Airport, the main entry point for our Chinese guests, has received the China Friendly certification,” he said. “Moreover, we continue our efforts to offer Chinese language education in Tourism Vocational Schools and to increase the number of Chinese-speaking tour guides.”
Ersoy added that the Ministry has also established active social media accounts to directly engage with Chinese travelers and promote Türkiye’s diverse tourism opportunities.
He emphasized that Türkiye hosts 21 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These historical sites, bearing the legacy of great civilizations, provide Chinese tourists with a truly unique and unforgettable cultural experience.
“We look forward to welcoming more Chinese friends to Türkiye,” Ersoy concluded, expressing hope that they will personally experience the country’s rich culture and famous hospitality.