According to the Ministry, Istanbul welcomed 5 million 245 thousand visitors in the first four months of 2024, setting a new benchmark for the city's tourism industry.
The ministry's statement highlighted the following details:
"The number of foreign visitors to Istanbul increased by 9.94 percent compared to the same period last year.
In April alone, Istanbul hosted 1 million 478 thousand foreign visitors, marking a 14.60 percent increase from April of the previous year. This surge has reinforced Istanbul's role as the driving force of Turkish tourism.
The largest number of visitors in April came from the Russian Federation, with about 168 thousand tourists. This was followed by 109 thousand visitors from Germany, 80 thousand from Iran, 68 thousand from the United States, 62 thousand from France, 60 thousand from the United Kingdom, and 42 thousand from Saudi Arabia.
Istanbul Airport leads in tourist arrivals
Most of the foreign visitors arriving in Istanbul in April entered through Istanbul Airport.
A total of 1 million 63 thousand foreign visitors chose Istanbul Airport, accounting for 72.86 percent of the city's total foreign arrivals by air. Sabiha Gökçen Airport was the second most popular entry point, with 395 thousand foreign visitors, making up 27.06 percent of the total.
The number of foreign visitors arriving by air in April increased by 15.54 percent compared to April 2023, reaching 1 million 459 thousand.
Additionally, 19 thousand foreign visitors arrived in Istanbul by sea in April.
March hotel occupancy at 45.85 percent
According to the latest accommodation statistics from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, there were 1 million arrivals at ministry-certified facilities in March 2024.
These facilities recorded a total of 2 million 219 thousand overnight stays, with an average stay of 2.21 days.
The occupancy rate for Istanbul's accommodation facilities in March stood at 45.85 percent.
