A Rising Market, a Strengthening Brand: Türkiye’s Global Position in Health Tourism Becomes Clearer

Türkiye is no longer an “alternative” but a leading destination in global health tourism. According to the latest announcement by the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, the country has entered the top 10 health tourism destinations worldwide as of 2025.

Toward 1.8 Million Health Tourists

In 2024, Türkiye hosted 1.4 million foreign health tourists, and this number is expected to surpass 1.8 million by the end of 2025. Revenue from health tourism has approached $4 billion, raising the sector’s share in Türkiye’s total tourism income to 8%.

Industry representatives note that the most in-demand treatments include aesthetic surgery, dental care, oncology, orthopedics, and fertility services.

Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya: The Power Trio

Istanbul leads the market with 46% share, driven by its internationally accredited private hospitals. Ankara stands out for its advanced medical technology infrastructure and public-supported health complexes, while Antalya is rapidly growing through its “medical wellness” model that integrates healthcare with tourism.

Izmir and Bursa are emerging as the second wave of key centers, supported by new investments and expanding clinical chains.

Global Edge: Pricing Advantage and Experience Management

Türkiye’s competitiveness stems not only from cost-effective treatment options but also from innovation in international patient experience management and post-treatment care.

While the Middle East and Europe remain core source markets, the past two years have seen a notable increase in patient inflows from the United States and Latin America.

Strategic Growth Goal: “Health & Wellness Destination”

Under Türkiye’s 2030 vision, the goal is to evolve from a medical treatment hub into a wellness-oriented destination focused on quality of life. Investments in health hotels, thermal complexes, and digital health platforms are expected to generate over $6 billion in economic activity within the next five years.

Experts emphasize that this transformation represents one of the most strategic steps in diversifying Türkiye’s overall tourism brand.