Gastronomy Tourism in Türkiye: Opportunities for International Entrepreneurs (2024–2025)

Gastronomy tourism in Türkiye has emerged as one of the most dynamic segments of the tourism industry, offering international entrepreneurs valuable investment opportunities. The sector has shown remarkable growth, expanding from 5.1 billion dollars in 2021 to 15 billion dollars in 2024, with projections aiming at 25 billion dollars by the end of 2025. This rapid rise highlights Türkiye’s potential as a global hub for culinary and tourism ventures.

Market Growth and Performance

Türkiye hosted 62.2 million tourists in 2024, making it the fourth most visited country worldwide. Tourism revenues reached 61.1 billion dollars, representing an 8.3% increase compared to 2023.

Gastronomy tourism has been one of the fastest-growing categories, generating 4.7 billion dollars in the first half of 2024 alone, accounting for 20% of total tourism revenues.

The targets for 2025 are ambitious: 70 million tourists and 70 billion dollars in total tourism revenue. Given the strong culinary heritage and steadily increasing demand, gastronomy-focused investments stand on a firm foundation in Türkiye.

Türkiye’s Gastronomy Tourism Infrastructure

The country offers a well-developed infrastructure to support the growth of gastronomy tourism:

• Local product diversity: more than 2,200 varieties of regional food and beverages.

• Educational capacity: 41 culinary schools and workshops, including 16 in Istanbul.

• Cultural assets: 34 gastronomy museums and over 360 gastronomy festivals annually.

Key Gastronomy Destinations

Gaziantep

Recognized by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy, Gaziantep is the leading destination for culinary tourism in Türkiye. The city is renowned for its rich kebabs, meat dishes, and geographically indicated products, making it a showcase of traditional Anatolian cuisine.

Other Important Centers

• Adana: a hub for meat dishes and street food.

• Hatay: a region with strong Arab culinary traditions.

• Izmir: blending Aegean and Mediterranean cuisines.

Accommodation and Hospitality Sector Performance

• Istanbul: occupancy rate — 74.2%; ADR — 134 USD; RevPAR — 99.5 USD; overnight stays — 15.6 million.

• Antalya: tourist arrivals — 15.2 million; summer occupancy rate — 89%; ADR — 102 USD; RevPAR — 91 USD.

• Bodrum: ADR — 590 USD; occupancy rate — 68%; RevPAR — 402 USD; luxury guest share — 61%.

Bodrum has become one of Europe’s most premium destinations, comparable to Saint-Tropez and Mykonos, highlighting its positioning in the luxury travel and gastronomy segment.

Competitive Position and Market Potential

On the global tourism map, Türkiye ranks right after France, Spain, and the United States. In gastronomy, it competes with culinary powerhouses such as Italy, France, and Spain.

With recognized UNESCO gastronomy cities and a rapidly expanding food tourism framework, Türkiye is positioning itself as a leading global player.

Investment Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

For international investors, Türkiye presents diverse opportunities in the gastronomy tourism sector:

• Gastronomy experience centers: creating spaces where regional cuisine and traditions are showcased.

• Luxury gastronomy tourism: offering premium food experiences in high-income destinations such as Bodrum.

• Festival and event organization: capitalizing on over 360 gastronomy festivals to create large-scale events and collaborations.

• International promotion: leveraging global marketing efforts in the USA, China, Russia, Spain, and Canada to expand partnerships and franchises.

Conclusion

Türkiye’s long-term strategy labeled “60 million tourists, 60 billion dollars revenue” has already been surpassed, and gastronomy continues to be a driving force behind this success.

With a unique culinary heritage, strong market demand, and advanced tourism infrastructure, Türkiye offers fertile ground for international entrepreneurs looking to invest in one of the fastest-growing tourism niches worldwide.

For further insights, investors can explore resources on Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and UNESCO Gastronomy Cities.