Turkey's sports tourism market reaches $1.4 billion

According to 2026 sectoral data prepared by Deloitte, the total size of the sports tourism market in Turkey has reached approximately $1.1 to $1.4 billion. A significant portion of the revenue is generated by foreign visitors, and the country is strengthening its position with major international events.

General market size

According to the latest sector report data, the total size of the sports tourism market in Turkey is approximately $1.1-1.4 billion, or 45-55 billion Turkish Lira.

It is noted that approximately 50-60 percent of this total revenue is generated by foreign visitors, and the share of sports tourism in total tourism revenues remains around 2 percent.

Infrastructure and international events

Standing out with its favorable climate conditions and advanced facility infrastructure, Turkey balances tourism demand during the winter season as European teams head to Antalya.

The 2027 European Games to be hosted by Istanbul, the candidacy for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the UEFA EURO 2032 organization in partnership with Italy are consolidating the country's position.

The share of golf tourism

Golf tourism, one of the high-value-creating segments in Turkey, ranks among Europe's priority destinations with the international standard courses of the Antalya-Belek line.

According to sector representatives, the golf tourism market in Turkey points to an annual economic size of approximately 200-250 million euros.

Alternative potential areas

In addition to the Antalya-Belek region, it is stated that areas such as Dalaman, Bodrum, the vicinity of Izmir, and Mersin are among the important potential areas that could be evaluated for golf tourism in the coming period.