Record Increase in Tourism Expenditures Made with Card
Big Leap in the Tourism Industry
During the January-April period of 2024, tourism expenditures made with credit cards in the country increased by 140% compared to the same period of the previous year, exceeding 212 billion TL. In the first four months of 2023, this figure was around 88 billion TL. This striking increase, compiled by Tourism Databank based on Interbank Card Center (BKM) data, reveals how quickly the sector has gained momentum in the post-pandemic recovery process.
Massive Increase in Hotel Spending
Hotel accommodation expenditures made with credit and debit cards domestically increased by 130% in the January-April period of 2024, exceeding 67.1 billion TL. In the same period of 2023, these expenditures were around 29 billion TL. In dollar terms, hotel expenditures increased from 1.5 billion to 2.2 billion dollars.
Rise in Airline Ticket Expenditures
Flight ticket expenditures made with credit and debit cards increased by 115% in the same period, reaching 94 billion TL. In the same period of 2023, these expenditures were at the level of 43 billion TL. In dollar terms, flight ticket expenditures increased from 2.3 billion dollars to 3.0 billion dollars.
These data clearly show that card spending in Turkey's tourism has increased significantly and recorded significant growth in the first four months of 2024. In our digitalizing world, travel and tourism expenditures are expected to continue to increase via credit cards.