New roads, modern facilities, and growing global interest are bringing Türkiye’s eastern routes to the forefront of the industry agenda. For tourism professionals, these regions are no longer just “potential” but areas that demand planning, investment, and brand strategy. When raw natural beauty merges with the dynamism of local culture, what emerges are not only new destinations but also laboratory-like models that could shape the future of tourism itself.
Changing Perceptions, Opening Doors
For many years, Türkiye’s eastern and southeastern regions remained in the background of the tourism map due to security concerns and infrastructure shortcomings. Today, cities are being modernized, roads are renewed, and urban centers are becoming more livable. This transformation is making the tourism potential of these geographies visible. With its strong pull of natural attractions and cultural heritage, the region is gaining a new meaning.
The Big Question for Tourism Share: Can the Region Compete?
These regions may not reach the same tourism revenues as major holiday hubs like Antalya, but they can become magnets for different values. Unique landscapes, rich cultural diversity, and strong gastronomy potential already set them apart. The real challenge lies here: not letting tourists pass through after just one night, but encouraging them to stay for several days.
Visitor expectations have risen — clean and safe accommodation, respectful service, and transparent pricing are now non-negotiable. Businesses that meet these demands will gain a clear advantage in the region.
The Importance of Strategic Investment
Although the tourism potential of the East and Southeast looks strong on paper, transforming it into a true destination brand requires smartly planned investments. Not only transport infrastructure, but also accommodation facilities, visitor centers, gastronomy venues, and cultural event spaces need to be developed with a professional outlook.
The professionalization of local businesses and collaboration with national brands will enable the regions to compete in the global tourism market. Especially those ventures investing in experience-driven concepts can quickly find ways to stand out.
Growth Areas: Which Types of Tourism Could Flourish?
Research indicates that the following tourism segments have strong potential in the region:
- Health & thermal tourism
- Winter and highland tourism
- Cave and nature exploration tourism
- Faith-based tourism
- Silk Road heritage routes
- Birdwatching, rafting, and outdoor sports
- Conference & MICE tourism
These alternative routes carry the potential to create a new balance of attraction beyond the classic “sea-sun” model.
A Call to the Industry: Experience-Focused Services
Tourism success today is no longer driven by package tours or standardized offerings. Experiential content, activities that connect with local heritage, sustainability, and emotionally engaging projects are becoming the new success criteria.
With collaboration between local entrepreneurs, national investors, and sectoral stakeholders, these regions can evolve from being just “stopover points” into true “stay-worthy destinations.”
The Tourism Journey of the East
For these geographies, the phrase “a long and narrow road” reflects the challenges, but also the possibility of success through unorthodox yet authentic solutions. Increasing the number of visitors is important, but what truly matters is being remembered for the depth of experience. With the right infrastructure, quality, and unique projects, Eastern and Southeastern Türkiye can undoubtedly rise to a strong position on the country’s tourism map.
