Foreign tourist arrivals to Türkiye fell by 20% in July 2025, marking the first decline in five years, according to a report by Bloomberg. The downturn raises concerns about how the strength of the Turkish lira is influencing international travel and spending.
The decrease in visitors has sent shockwaves through a sector that has been a cornerstone of Türkiye's economy. In July, the country welcomed only 4.5 million tourists, a stark drop from 5.6 million in the same month last year. Industry experts suggest that the lira's recent performance has made travel to Türkiye less appealing for foreign visitors.
This decline follows a period of robust growth in the tourism sector, which had been recovering from the pandemic’s impact. As previously reported, Türkiye had seen a steady increase in tourist numbers, contributing significantly to the nation's GDP. However, the current trend raises questions about the sustainability of this recovery.
The implications of this drop are significant, as tourism accounts for a vital portion of Türkiye's economy. Stakeholders are now closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a rebound in visitor numbers as the country approaches the fall season. As the industry grapples with these challenges, related coverage on global economic shifts, such as recent developments in other economies, may offer valuable insights.
