Istanbul, a captivating metropolis renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and architectural marvels, has once again solidified its position as a premier global destination for international travelers. In the first six months of 2024, the city welcomed an impressive 8.5 million visitors, representing an 8% surge compared to the same period in 2023. This remarkable growth underscores the enduring appeal of Istanbul’s unique blend of ancient charm and modern dynamism.
The month of June witnessed a slight but noteworthy uptick in tourist arrivals, with 1.64 million foreign visitors gracing the city’s streets. This represents a 1% increase compared to the 1.63 million international tourists recorded in June 2023. This steady rise underscores the ongoing attraction of Istanbul’s diverse offerings, ranging from its iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to its bustling bazaars, delectable cuisine, and lively nightlife.
Istanbul’s prominence as a global travel hub is further solidified by the fact that it welcomed a total of 7.9 million foreign tourists during the first six months of 2023. This consistent influx of visitors highlights the city’s strategic efforts to attract global tourists, with initiatives aimed at enhancing its infrastructure, promoting cultural events, and ensuring a seamless visitor experience.
The majority of tourists, totaling 1.58 million, arrived in Istanbul via air, with 55,737 choosing to travel by sea. Istanbul Airport emerged as the most preferred entry point, accommodating 1.16 million visitors, constituting a significant 73.39% of all air arrivals. Sabiha Gokcen International Airport followed closely, welcoming 419,617 passengers, representing 26.51% of the total. Additionally, 1,464 tourists made their way into the city via Atatürk Airport.
Seaports also played a significant role in the influx of visitors, with 55,737 tourists arriving by sea. Karakoy Port was the busiest, handling 48,380 arrivals. Tuzla Port followed with 1,728 visitors, and Sarayburnu Port saw 3,588 tourists. Zeytinburnu Port recorded 1,362 arrivals, while Ambarli Port received 301 tourists. Smaller numbers were reported at Haydarpasa Port with 214 arrivals, Pendik Port with 138, and Marmara Port with 26 tourists.
Russian tourists took the lead among international visitors in June, with a total of 171,633 arrivals, making up 10.48% of the overall tourist numbers. This prominent position highlights Russia’s significant contribution to the influx of travelers, underscoring the strong appeal of Istanbul as a destination for Russian tourists. Their substantial presence reflects the enduring connection between Russia and Turkey, as well as the attractiveness of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant atmosphere, and diverse offerings to visitors from this key market.
In June 2024, Istanbul welcomed tourists from 195 different countries, underscoring its status as a truly global destination. While the city attracted large numbers from many nations, it also saw visitors from some of the world’s most remote and lesser-known locations. Among the rarest were individuals from Tonga, Samoa, and Tuvalu, with each of these countries being represented by just a single visitor. Similarly, the nations of Sao Tome and Principe, Papua New Guinea, and Vatican City each contributed just two visitors, highlighting the broad and diverse reach of Istanbul’s international appeal, even to the most distant corners of the globe.
