Euromonitor’s 2025 ranking signals a shift in destination competitiveness

A Mediterranean Destination in the World’s Top Tier

Antalya, one of Türkiye’s leading tourism hubs, has secured fifth place in Euromonitor International’s 2025 Global Tourism Destinations Index, placing it among the world’s top ten destinations. The ranking reflects a comprehensive evaluation that extends well beyond visitor numbers, focusing instead on infrastructure quality, sustainability performance and long-term destination management.

A Data-Driven Assessment of Destination Strength

Euromonitor’s index applies a multi-layered analytical framework, assessing destinations through indicators such as tourism infrastructure, transport connectivity, digital readiness, environmental sustainability, economic contribution and social integration. Antalya’s position within the top five highlights its evolution from a high-volume leisure destination into a well-managed and resilient tourism ecosystem capable of competing at a global level.

Balancing Infrastructure and Sustainability

The city’s rise in the ranking is closely linked to sustained infrastructure investments and a growing emphasis on sustainable planning. Airport capacity expansions, strengthened transport networks and the wider adoption of environmental standards across tourism facilities have reinforced Antalya’s ability to absorb demand while maintaining long-term destination quality. This balance has also contributed to a more stable relationship between tourism growth and the local economy.

From Mass Tourism to Experience Diversity

One of the key factors distinguishing Antalya in Euromonitor’s evaluation is its expanding tourism portfolio. While coastal tourism remains central, the destination has increasingly diversified into culture, sports, nature-based and family-oriented travel segments. This shift supports year-round visitation and encourages longer stays, positioning Antalya as a multidimensional destination rather than a seasonal resort.

New Parameters of Global Competition

Antalya’s inclusion among the world’s top five destinations underscores a broader transformation in global tourism competition. Infrastructure resilience, sustainability governance and strategic destination management are now defining success more than sheer visitor volume. In this emerging landscape, Antalya stands as a clear example of how Mediterranean destinations can align scale with quality.