Mr. Sinan Seha Türkseven, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), Acting General Manager
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How do you see the current travel trade relationship between Türkiye and India?
The tourism bond between Türkiye and India has never been stronger. With more Indian travellers exploring Türkiye each year, the connection transcends tourism, embracing shared culture, history, and unforgettable experiences. By the end of 2024, the number of Indian visitors to Türkiye increased by 43% compared to the pre-pandemic period and by 20% from 2023, reaching a total of 330 thousand. These increases and the upward trend show that the Indian market holds considerably greater potential.
India remains a key growth market for us, and we are committed to achieving sustainable growth in Indian visitor numbers. Our goal is to further strengthen the cultural and economic ties between Türkiye and India, making Türkiye a preferred destination for Indian travelers.
What are the key factors driving Indian travellers to Türkiye?
Indian travellers are drawn to Türkiye by a unique combination of cultural familiarity and exotic allure. The country’s reputation as a premier wedding destination—offering tailored services in İstanbul, Antalya, Bodrum and Cappadocia—coupled with its robust MICE tourism infrastructure, makes it highly appealing for both leisure and business. Moreover, the shared culinary traditions, emphasis on hospitality and family values, and the captivating portrayal of Türkiye in Bollywood films further enhance its attractiveness, complemented by vibrant shopping experiences from historic bazaars to modern luxury districts.
Have you observed any recent trends or shifts in Indian tourist preferences for Türkiye?
Recent trends indicate that Indian tourists are increasingly seeking to broaden their horizons beyond the well-trodden paths of İstanbul and Cappadocia. There is a noticeable shift towards exploring lesser-known destinations such as Göbeklitepe, Mount Nemrut, and scenic regions along the Black Sea and Aegean coasts, including Izmir, Ephesus, Bodrum and Çanakkale. In addition, there is a growing appetite for immersive, luxury experiences—from hot-air balloon rides and private yacht cruises to bespoke cultural excursions—reflecting a desire for travel that is both enriching and personalised.
What initiatives is Türkiye Tourism undertaking to attract more Indian travellers?
Türkiye tourism is leaving no stone unturned in its outreach efforts. In 2024, we have established strong collaborations with Indian travel agencies and businesses to enhance the travel experience for Indian visitors in Türkiye with our first India Roadshow. The successful outcomes pave the path for the next one in 2025. And the launch of the India Destination Promotion Event 2025, which commenced in Kolkata, signifies a significant step in bringing both countries even closer. This dynamic six-city roadshow covering Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Mumbai, aimed to bolster tourism ties by promoting luxury travel, MICE tourism, and wedding destinations, while introducing lesser-known Turkish locales to Indian travellers.
Additionally, our participation at SATTE 2025, one of South Asia’s premier travel and tourism exhibitions, allowed us to connect with industry leaders, showcase Türkiye’s diverse offerings, and reinforce our commitment to the Indian market. The event concluded with an incredible display of business collaborations, global networking, and cultural showcases. With these strategic initiatives, we are excited to welcome even more Indian travellers to Türkiye in the coming years.
Are there any special promotions, events, or partnerships planned with Indian travel agencies?
While promoting our country, we have a broad perspective on our marketing and communication activities. We invest in co-marketing programs with key tour operators, airlines, cruise lines worldwide, and digital sales platforms like Expedia, Booking, Trip.com, TripAdvisor, Agoda.com and Skyscanner. We work with leading global networks such as CNN and BBC and use social media effectively, and with more than 20 million followers across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube; we are way beyond the competition. Our Instagram account has more than 371,000 Indian followers.
In terms of promotions and partnerships, the concluded roadshow and successful exhibition at SATTE 2025 have paved the way for exclusive collaborations with Indian travel agencies. These strategic partnerships are focused on creating bespoke travel packages and tailored experiences that meet the unique expectations of Indian travellers, thereby reinforcing the strong bilateral tourism ties. Besides, relevant professional organizations are always our most valuable partners, and we will continue to work with them.
How is the air connectivity between India and Türkiye evolving, and are there plans to expand routes?
Air connectivity between India and Türkiye has seen significant improvements, with Turkish Airlines and IndiGo enhancing direct flight frequencies from major hubs like Delhi and Mumbai. We wish to extend these connections further by incorporating additional Tier-2 cities in India will reduce transit times and make travel even more convenient for a broader range of travellers.
Indian travellers seek immersive experiences. How is Türkiye catering to this demand?
Responding to the demand for immersive experiences, Türkiye offers a wealth of opportunities that cater to Indian travellers seeking a deeper connection with the destination. From exploring ancient wonders such as Göbeklitepe and Mount Nemrut to enjoying hot-air balloon rides over Cappadocia and private yacht cruises along İstanbul’s Bosphorus, Türkiye combines history, adventure, and luxury in a way that is both engaging and memorable. Culinary tours and cultural encounters further enhance these experiences, ensuring that visitors leave with lasting impressions. Moreover, for adventure and sport tourism, Türkiye provides perfect routes and events for enthusiasts of climbing, rafting, cycling, trekking and many more.
Türkiye has emerged as a popular MICE destination. What opportunities exist for Indian businesses in this segment?
As a popular MICE destination, Türkiye presents substantial opportunities for Indian businesses. Türkiye ranks among the top destinations for MICE tourism, and major cities like İstanbul, Antalya, and Bodrum provide state-of-the-art conference facilities and luxury venues, making the country an ideal setting for corporate events, exhibitions, and incentive programmes. İstanbul is hosting over 100 international congresses and business events annually.
The country’s luxury hotel sector continues to expand to meet the rising demand from high-end corporate groups. This blend of world-class infrastructure and the vibrant cultural backdrop of Türkiye offers Indian businesses an attractive proposition for hosting successful and memorable events.
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Are there any incentives or support programs for Indian corporate and MICE travellers?
To support Indian corporate and MICE travellers, Türkiye has introduced several attractive incentives. These include exclusive discounts on accommodation and event venues, streamlined visa processes, and tailored corporate packages designed to ensure smooth and hassle-free travel experiences. Such measures are aimed at providing comprehensive support, making it easier for Indian businesses to leverage Türkiye as a preferred destination for their events and meetings.
What are your key goals for strengthening the Türkiye-India tourism partnership in the coming years?
The key goals for strengthening the Türkiye-India tourism partnership in the coming years are multifaceted. Türkiye aims to attract more and more Indian travellers by expanding its promotional campaigns and diversifying the range of attractions beyond traditional hotspots like Istanbul and Cappadocia. Investments in luxury, weddings, and MICE tourism are set to increase, alongside continued efforts to enhance air connectivity and forge robust partnerships through initiatives like SATTE 2025 and the India roadshow. These strategic objectives are designed to create a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries.
How do you see the long-term potential of Indian outbound tourism to Türkiye?
Looking ahead, the long-term potential of Indian outbound tourism to Türkiye appears exceptionally promising. With a growing middle class in India and an increasing appetite for culturally rich and premium travel experiences, Türkiye is well-positioned to become a top choice for Indian travellers. We aim to continue promoting a diverse range of experiences and destinations to attract more Indian visitors while strengthening cultural and economic ties between our two countries. Over the next few years, we anticipate the tourism relationship between India and Türkiye to evolve with increased collaborations, targeted marketing efforts, and a deeper understanding of each other’s cultural nuances.
Continuous enhancements in connectivity, innovative tourism offerings, and strategic marketing efforts ensure that Türkiye will remain an attractive destination for years to come, fostering sustained growth in this vibrant travel market.
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