Türkiye’s tourism industry began 2026 on a positive note, with international arrivals rising in January, according to data released by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
In January 2026, the number of foreign visitors increased by 3.48% year-on-year, reaching 2.446 million.
Top source markets
Iran ranked as the leading source market in January with 225,209 visitors, despite a 6.42% decline compared to the same period last year. It was followed closely by the Russian Federation, which posted an 8.06% increase to 220,160 visitors.
Bulgaria recorded 171,687 visitors (+3.56%), while Germany saw a 6.77% rise to 160,757 arrivals. The United Kingdom contributed 73,037 visitors (+0.94%), and the United States delivered 69,821 visitors, marking a strong 14.49% growth.
Performance of Top 20 Source Markets (January 2026)
• Iran: -6.42% – 225,209
• Russian Federation: +8.06% – 220,160
• Bulgaria: +3.56% – 171,687
• Germany: +6.77% – 160,757
• United Kingdom: +0.94% – 73,037
• United States: +14.49% – 69,821
• Saudi Arabia: +37.71% – 64,047
• Azerbaijan: -7.95% – 54,513
• Uzbekistan: +10.25% – 45,899
• Greece: -6.76% – 44,938
• France: +0.60% – 42,899
• Ukraine: +3.40% – 41,714
• Romania: +3.92% – 41,680
• Netherlands: +7.92% – 39,254
• China: +3.52% – 30,418
• Kazakhstan: +11.19% – 29,471
• Poland: +21.51% – 26,354
• Spain: +24.14% – 24,847
• Belgium: +4.89% – 19,754
• Austria: +5.22% – 18,070
The January figures signal a steady start to the year, with particularly strong momentum from key European markets and double-digit growth from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Spain and Kazakhstan.
