Star – Istanbul has scored big once again in Mastercard’s Index of Global Destination Cities, securing itself the 6th spot among 132 cities ranked in terms of international visitor arrivals and spending.
According to the survey, Türkiye’s megacity is expected to welcome 10.4 million international visitors this year, leaving rivals like Dubai, Hong Kong, Barcelona, Milan, Roma, Amsterdam, Tokyo and Los Angeles behind.
Istanbul’s tourism revenue is forecasted to reach USD 8.6 billion, up 5.5 percent from a year earlier, the survey found.
Among European cities, Istanbul claimed the 3rd spot with the highest growth rate in the Old Continent.
A major holiday destination in the Mediterranean region, Türkiye expects to welcome 33 million foreign visitors this year, aiming to enter the top 5 of global tourist hotspots.