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Istanbul has recorded 13.5 million visitors in the first nine months of 2025, surpassing the entire annual number of tourists Türkiye received in 2002.
The announcement came from Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy during a meeting with local tourism industry representatives, where he outlined new projects and the city’s long-term cultural vision.
Minister Ersoy emphasized that the government’s approach has always been grounded in fieldwork rather than top-down decision-making. He noted that working closely with tourism professionals helped make Turkish tourism resilient in the face of regional conflicts and global crises.
According to Ersoy, tourism today is not only a contest between countries but also between cities, and Istanbul has emerged as one of the strongest contenders.
One of the highlights of 2025 has been the surge in cruise tourism. Between January and August, nearly 1.5 million cruise passengers arrived at 18 ports across Türkiye, marking the highest level in 12 years.
Ersoy pointed out that Istanbul stands at the center of this growth and will continue to expand its share in global maritime tourism.
The minister also recalled that Istanbul became the first Turkish city included in the Michelin Guide in 2022, underscoring the city’s growing global culinary recognition.
Promotional efforts have gained momentum with large-scale international campaigns, including the “Istanbul My Love” mini-series that reached millions of viewers worldwide. Ersoy added that Türkiye’s Cultural Route Festivals, which feature hundreds of events across Istanbul, have further strengthened the city’s cultural brand.
Ersoy highlighted ongoing restoration projects at Haydarpasa and Sirkeci train stations, two landmarks deeply embedded in Istanbul’s memory. Once completed, these sites will serve not only as transport hubs but also as cultural and artistic centers.
Plans include performance venues, libraries, thematic museums, and exhibition halls. An archaeology museum is also set to open in Haydarpasa, displaying artifacts uncovered during excavations since 2018, alongside an “Archaeopark” designed to showcase ancient remains to visitors.
The minister stressed that Istanbul should not be seen as a city people pass through but as a destination in itself. “Istanbul is not just a place to stop by; it is a departure point to be placed at the center,” he said, urging all stakeholders to align with this vision.
He underlined that under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership, Türkiye aims to position Istanbul as the global capital of tourism.
Kasim Firat, the district head of Justice and Development Party (AK Party) in Beyoglu, also addressed the meeting. He highlighted the government’s continued support for tourism entrepreneurs and emphasized the importance of cooperation with local stakeholders.
He noted that initiatives such as the Türkiye Culture Route Festival, which began in Beyoglu, have now spread across the country, underlining Istanbul’s leading role in Türkiye’s cultural life.
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