AGP Executive Report

Tourism Ambitions: Türkiye is targeting $70 billion in tourism revenue in 2027 and a place among the world’s top six tourism earners. Aviation Investment: The government plans to invest about $2 billion in aviation and space over three years, with airport passenger numbers projected to reach 272 million next year. AJet is also set to launch direct flights to five German cities next summer. Heritage Discoveries: Archaeologists found the first mosaic-floored Hellenistic structure at Kültepe-Kaniş, alongside four cultural layers dating back more than 2,000 years. Byzantine amphorae have also emerged off Ayvalık. Travel Experiences: Two Welsh mothers have set off on a 1,000-kilometre e-bike journey across Türkiye, bringing their toddlers along in trailers.

Tourism Targets: Türkiye aims to earn $70 billion from tourism in 2027 and reach the world’s top six tourism revenue rankings. Air Links: AJet plans to launch direct flights to five German cities next summer, while Istanbul Airport has again been named the world’s best by Condé Nast readers. Cruise Season: Aroya Cruises has begun its first Mediterranean winter programme, with Istanbul as its homeport and itineraries calling at Turkish ports including Bodrum, Marmaris and Kuşadası. Booking Security: The EU is investigating Booking.com over fake listings, scam risks and whether paid search placements are clearly labelled. Traveller Data: Lithuanian authorities are investigating a possible Tez Tour data breach involving travel records, including trips to Türkiye. Seasonal Demand: October half-term bookings through Advantage agencies rose 8% year on year, with Türkiye among the leading short-haul destinations. Underwater Heritage: A 1,500-year-old Byzantine shipwreck off Ayvalık is now open to diving tourism, with researchers documenting its amphorae and marine life.

Tourism Ambitions: Türkiye is targeting $70 billion in tourism revenue in 2027 and aims to rise into the world’s top six tourism earners. Air Travel: Istanbul Airport has again been named the world’s best by Condé Nast readers. Turkish Airlines plans to introduce its Crystal business-class suite in November. New Routes: A new tourism route linking eastern Türkiye with the Black Sea is set to showcase lesser-known destinations. Ancient Heritage: Excavations are due to resume at Sarissa, a major Hittite city in Sivas, while archaeologists have uncovered a 2,000-year-old mosaic in central Türkiye.

Tourism Targets: Türkiye aims for $70 billion in tourism revenue in 2027 and sixth place globally, with a larger tourism budget planned. Air Travel: Istanbul Airport was named the world’s best again in Condé Nast readers’ awards; Turkish Airlines plans to debut its Crystal business-class seats in November. New Routes & Heritage: A new tourism route will link eastern Türkiye with the Black Sea, while archaeologists have uncovered a 2,000-year-old mosaic in central Türkiye. Health Travel: A New Zealand editorial urges patients to weigh the risks of overseas procedures after a woman reported sepsis following gastric surgery in Istanbul; the clinic denies responsibility.

Air Travel: Turkish Airlines expects its Crystal business-class suite to debut on an A350 in November. It plans Istanbul–Sydney nonstops from late 2027, with Melbourne to follow in 2028. Destinations & Access: Türkiye has unveiled a tourism route linking the east with the Black Sea, while Ryanair has ended service to Bodrum and Dalaman as it cuts routes over costs. Tourism Industry: A Brussels forum on Nov. 9–10 will focus on cybersecurity and digitalization across hotels, airlines and booking platforms. Heritage & Nature: A possible 4,500-year-old shipwreck site near Kekova could draw interest in underwater heritage, though the ship itself is gone and its age is disputed. Severe storms also flooded Istanbul and Antalya, which is due to host COP31.

Air Travel: Istanbul Airport is stockpiling jet fuel amid shortage fears, a concern for passengers connecting through Türkiye. Fan Safety: Galatasaray has asked UEFA for security guarantees for players and supporters travelling to Lille after unrest and looting in France ahead of Wednesday’s match. New Itinerary: Türkiye has unveiled a tourism route linking the east with the Black Sea, creating a new way to explore regional destinations. Istanbul Conditions: Severe flooding killed four people in the city, in what reports describe as its worst floods in 80 years; visitors should keep an eye on local alerts. Nature Watch: Drought and heavy groundwater use are shrinking Tuz Golu, threatening wildlife and the reflective salt flats that draw visitors.

Air Connectivity: Istanbul Airport has built jet-fuel reserves to 350 million litres—enough for about three weeks of flights—as the Iran war raises supply concerns. Climate & Conservation: At Iztuzu beach, warmer sand is producing more female sea turtles, a warning sign for Mediterranean ecosystems ahead of COP31 in Antalya next month. Travel Safety: Deadly Istanbul floods killed four, triggered landslides and disrupted roads and businesses; travellers should check local conditions. Tour Options: Intrepid’s 2027 lineup includes a 12-day Turkey Black Sea trip through Safranbolu, Kastamonu, Samsun and Trabzon. Industry Awards: Turkish Airlines was named Europe’s Leading Airline at the 2026 World Travel Awards ceremony in Montenegro.

Istanbul Disruption: Deadly floods left four people dead, triggered dozens of landslides and damaged hundreds of businesses. Travellers in the city should expect disruption as authorities respond. Antalya Flights: Two Turkish Airlines charter flights from Antalya were diverted to Minsk after drone attacks disrupted St Petersburg airport, leaving more than 400 Russian passengers waiting for onward travel. Aviation Growth: Turkish airports handled more than 193 million passengers in the first nine months of 2026, while Istanbul Airport was named the world’s best-connected air hub. Turkish Airlines also won Europe’s Leading Airline title at the World Travel Awards. Culture & Heritage: Divers off Türkiye’s coast found a shipwreck believed to be about 4,700 years old, with ancient cargo offering a striking new draw for history-focused visitors. Nature & Climate: As Türkiye prepares to host COP31, researchers say warming Mediterranean beaches are changing sea-turtle hatchling populations, highlighting the growing importance of conservation along the country’s coast.

Istanbul Travel Disruption: Severe floods killed four people, damaged businesses and triggered a travel warning, putting transport and visitor plans under strain. Belek Golf: Ian Panting won the Race to Belek final at Gloria Golf Resort, where UK finalists enjoyed flights, five-star stays and championship-course play. Tourism Momentum: Turkish airports handled 193.1 million passengers in the first nine months of 2026, while Antalya welcomed 14 million tourists despite regional conflict. Climate and Nature: Drought is shrinking Salt Lake, threatening flamingos and a landscape that draws visitors; groundwater pumping is worsening the strain. Antalya in the Spotlight: The resort city will host COP31 from November 9 to 20, bringing an international climate summit to Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

Istanbul Floods: Severe rain killed four people and forced 2,700 residents to evacuate, with flooding and landslides disrupting travel; visitors should check conditions before setting out. Salt Lake Under Pressure: Drought and agricultural groundwater pumping are shrinking Tuz Gölü, threatening its flamingos, salt industry and the shallow-water views that draw tourists. Cappadocia on the Run: Nearly 3,000 athletes from 78 countries are taking part in the Cappadocia Ultra Trail, with routes through the region’s valleys and volcanic landscapes. Bodrum Sailing: The resort hosted the ILCA Under-21 European Championships, bringing international sailors to town for a six-day event. Heritage Finds: A 4,700-year-old shipwreck discovered off Türkiye’s coast is drawing fresh attention to the country’s underwater archaeology. Air Travel: Türkiye’s airports handled 193.1 million passengers in the first nine months of 2026, underlining the scale of visitor traffic.

Istanbul Floods: The city’s worst flooding in more than 80 years has killed four people and forced 2,700 from their homes. Schools closed and officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, disrupting visits to the city. Antalya Weather: Torrential rain has prompted tour-price cuts along the coast, while Antalya has welcomed 14 million tourists despite regional conflict. Travel Connections: Türkiye’s airports handled more than 193 million passengers in the first nine months of 2026, and Istanbul Airport was named the world’s best-connected air hub. Archaeological Discovery: Divers off Türkiye’s coast found a shipwreck believed to be about 4,700 years old, a discovery that could draw fresh interest to the country’s underwater heritage. Natural Attractions: Drought and heavy groundwater use are threatening Salt Lake, a key flamingo habitat and a draw for visitors to central Anatolia. Stopover Tips: A recent traveller’s account suggests a 10-hour Istanbul layover can allow roughly five hours in the city, but airport transfers and traffic leave little room for delays.

Istanbul Floods: Severe rain killed four people, submerged roads and businesses, and disrupted travel across the city. More rain was forecast, keeping disruption risks high. Antalya Holidays: Torrential storms battered the coast, closing hotel pools and roughening the sea; package prices from Moscow fell to about $358 per person for five nights. Aviation Growth: Türkiye’s airports handled 193.1 million passengers in the first nine months of 2026. Airbus expects the country to need 1,800 new aircraft over 20 years as passenger traffic grows around 4.5% annually. Tuz Lake Under Pressure: Drought and intensive groundwater use are threatening the shallow lake, a flamingo breeding ground and a popular visitor destination. Black Sea Risks: Recent vessel strikes near NATO coastlines are raising concerns about shipping and could weigh on summer 2027 bookings.

Istanbul Floods: Severe rain has killed at least three people, left five missing and forced the evacuation of more than 2,700. Flooding disrupted roads and cancelled at least 53 flights; visitors should follow local authorities’ advice and avoid unnecessary travel. Cruise News: Royal Caribbean has opened bookings for its 2028–29 Europe season, with seven ships offering Mediterranean and Northern European trips that include Turkish ports. Its Rhapsody of the Seas will sail in Europe year-round for the first time. Maritime Heritage: Divers off Kekova Island found a shipwreck estimated at 4,400–4,700 years old, with more than 30 ceramic jars and three stone anchors. The discovery could become a major draw for Turkey’s archaeology and maritime-history tourism. Air Travel: Turkish airports handled more than 193 million passengers in the first nine months of 2026, while Istanbul Airport was named the world’s best-connected air hub. Visitor Demand: Antalya has welcomed 14 million tourists despite regional conflicts, underscoring the appeal of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

Istanbul Travel Alert: Flooding has killed three people, stranded residents and shut schools; authorities urged people to avoid unnecessary travel as heavy rain continued. Air Connectivity: Türkiye’s airports handled 193.1 million passengers in the first nine months of 2026, while Istanbul Airport was named the world’s best-connected air hub. Antalya Tourism: The resort city welcomed 14 million tourists despite regional conflicts, underlining strong visitor demand. Heritage Discovery: Divers found a possible 4,700-year-old shipwreck near Kekova Island, with pottery and stone anchors offering a rare glimpse of ancient maritime trade. Rail Journeys: The Touristic Eastern Express is set to open ticket sales on October 26 for journeys to the Black Sea.

Travel Disruption: Severe flooding in Istanbul killed two people, inundated homes and parts of the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, and prompted road restrictions and school closures. Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Visitor Numbers: Türkiye’s airports handled 193.2 million passengers in the first nine months of 2026; Antalya welcomed nearly 12.5 million tourists over the same period. Ancient Discoveries: Archaeologists say a wreck near Kekova may be the world’s oldest known seagoing ship, dating back as much as 4,700 years. More than 30 ceramic vessels and three stone anchors could shed light on ancient trade and maritime life. Culture: Türkiye and Italy plan to expand archaeological cooperation through joint excavations, conservation and exhibitions at sites including Hierapolis and Aslantepe. Rail Journeys: The Karaelmas Express returns for autumn trips between Ankara and Zonguldak, with departures scheduled for Oct. 16, Oct. 30 and Nov. 13. Cruises: Royal Caribbean plans year-round European sailings in 2028–29, including summer itineraries with overnight stays in Istanbul.

Tourism Momentum: Türkiye’s airports handled 193.1 million passengers in the first nine months of 2026, while Antalya welcomed nearly 12.5 million tourists. Archaeology: A 4,400- to 4,700-year-old shipwreck found near Kekova, with cargo that may reveal ancient Mediterranean trade routes, adds a remarkable new draw to the country’s cultural heritage. Travel Links: Turkish Airlines is increasing Istanbul–Lagos flights, and the Touristic Eastern Express is set to run 70 trips this winter. COP31: Antalya will host the UN climate summit from November 9 to 20; Cyprus’s president plans to attend, in a first visit by a leader from the island’s south in a decade. Travel Disruptions: Heavy rain brought Istanbul traffic congestion to 89%, as officials urged people to avoid unnecessary car journeys. Visitor Safety: A tour-bus crash in Manisa killed 11 people and injured 27; separate reports of deaths and complications after cosmetic procedures in Türkiye are renewing scrutiny of medical-tourism safeguards.