Turkey wants more Indian travellers than ever before: Exclusive wedding packages, MICE opportunities & 2026 events take centre stage

Turkey is working with Indian wedding planners and MICE specialists besides packaging its 2026 events highlights to attract more travellers from the country, Ali Murat Ersoy, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to India, told ET in an interview.

"India is among our most strategically important and fastest-growing source markets," Ersoy said. "In 2025, Indian arrivals reached approximately 250,000-a number that, while significant, we believe represents only a fraction of the potential that exists. We are committed to significantly growing Indian arrivals over the next three to five years."

It is working on developing dedicated support structures, site inspection programmes and direct access to its tourism promotion bodies for MICE and wedding specialists in India, he said.


Turkey, that welcomed 64 million international visitors in 2025, has a target of "welcoming 90 million visitors annually by 2028, with a parallel focus on increasing per-visitor spending and extending the average length of stay," Ersoy said.

The country generated approximately $65 billion in tourism revenue last year.

Ersoy said Turkey has looked at working closely with Indian travel trade partners to develop market-specific packages, supported by co-branded marketing assets, destination briefings and targeted outreach through platforms that resonate with Indian audiences.

"The Indian traveller today is sophisticated, experience-driven, and increasingly looking for a reason to travel beyond the conventional checklist," he said. "What Turkey offers in 2026 is genuinely exceptional-a convergence of global sport, world-class music, climate diplomacy, and living cultural heritage, all within one destination."