Domestic tourism surges across Türkiye’s provinces in autumn season

Türkiye’s domestic tourism sector recorded strong growth in October, with millions of citizens traveling across the country’s diverse provinces, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Nov. 28.

The number of domestic travelers rose by 12 percent compared to September, reaching nearly 8.4 million trips nationwide. The increase was driven by cultural festivals, culinary tourism, and favorable weather conditions in many regions.

Istanbul remained the most visited destination, welcoming over 1.2 million domestic tourists in October. The city’s museums, Bosphorus cruises, and historic districts continued to attract both families and young travelers. Cappadocia in Nevşehir also saw a notable rise, with hot-air balloon tours drawing 20 percent more visitors compared to the same month last year.

Coastal provinces such as Antalya and Muğla reported hotel occupancy rates of 85 percent, up from 78 percent in September. Officials noted that weekend getaways and short family holidays were the main contributors to the surge in bookings. In İzmir, cultural tourism flourished with increased attendance at local art exhibitions and music festivals.

Central Anatolia provinces, including Konya and Ankara, experienced growth in religious and historical tourism. Konya’s Mevlana Museum saw a 15 percent increase in visitors, while Ankara’s Atatürk Mausoleum reported record attendance during national holidays.

Meanwhile, southeastern provinces such as Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa recorded higher culinary tourism numbers. Gaziantep’s renowned baklava and kebabs drew thousands of food enthusiasts, while Şanlıurfa’s archaeological sites, including Göbekli Tepe, attracted history lovers from across the country.

The Ministry highlighted that domestic tourism growth reflects a rising interest among citizens to explore Türkiye’s cultural and natural heritage. Officials emphasized that improved transportation networks, including new high-speed rail connections, have made intercity travel more accessible and affordable.

Looking ahead, the government expects domestic tourism to continue expanding through the winter season, with ski resorts in Erzurum and winter festivals in Bursa preparing for increased demand. The ministry also announced plans to promote eco-tourism in Black Sea provinces such as Rize and Trabzon, focusing on hiking trails and sustainable travel initiatives.

Overall, Türkiye’s domestic tourism sector is on track to surpass last year’s figures, reinforcing its role as a vital contributor to the national economy and a key driver of cultural exchange within the country.

Related Post

---

The initiative is overseen by a parliamentary commission chaired by Kurtulmuş. The panel is set to convene on Dec. 4 to review findings from a delegation that visited jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan on the İmralı prison island earlier this week.

"We are consigning the issue of terrorism, which imperial projects use as pawns and see as a proxy for policies of division and fragmentation, to history, never to be revived again.”

The ceremony at Çukurova University was attended by Adana Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger, deputies from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), as well as academics and students.

"We are now leaving behind the scourge of terrorism, which has shackled the 50 years of our republic, preventing this country from moving forward and preventing its people from forming the world’s strongest nation in unity,” he said.

• Tags :
• Politics
• Sports
• Travel