Record 5 Million British Visitors Expected in Türkiye This Year

Turkey

The number of British visitors to Türkiye is expected to hit a record 5 million this year, according to Jill Morris, the British Ambassador to Türkiye.

Speaking from Antalya after a week-long tour of the Turkish Riviera, Morris highlighted the steady increase in British tourists, up from 3.3 million in 2023 and 4.5 million last year.

During her visit to key cities along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, including Izmir, Aydin, Bodrum, Mugla, Marmaris, Fethiye, and Antalya, Morris met with consular staff and local authorities to discuss tourism and safety measures for British visitors.

Morris attributed the expected rise in tourism to the expansion of Antalya Airport, which increased passenger capacity from 35 million to 82 million, allowing more direct flights from major UK cities. "British people love to come for the sea and sun, but also for cultural, nature, sports, and gastronomy tourism," she said.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Highlighting the strong UK-Türkiye relations, Morris noted that the two countries are strategic partners in defense, security, and trade. A new modernized Free Trade Agreement is set to be launched in July, expanding beyond goods to include services, technology, and digital trade.

Morris also emphasized Türkiye's strategic role within NATO, noting its position as the second-largest force in the alliance and its critical role on NATO's southern flank.

Growing Economic Ties

The UK and Türkiye maintain robust economic relations, with bilateral trade reaching £26 billion in 2024. Recent agreements aim to reduce costs for businesses and improve import-export processes.

Morris concluded by praising Türkiye's role in global diplomacy, referencing the recent Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where leaders gathered to discuss international security and cooperation. "Our relationship continues to grow stronger across all sectors, making Türkiye a priority partner for the UK," she affirmed.