Türkiye is stepping up its tourism strategy with a fresh vision meant to turn the country into a major global sports destination year round. Officials and industry leaders say the nation is ready to show the world that it is not just a summer holiday spot but a home for diverse sports experiences that can draw visitors in every season. The big reveal is not just about spreading out tourist numbers but about bringing jobs, international attention, and business growth into regions that rarely saw foreign guests until now.
Country Sets Big Plans to Expand Sports Tourism
Türkiye’s President of the Turkish Sports Tourism Association, Nida Kiraz, announced the new strategy to expand sports tourism far beyond football. The plan focuses on promoting 12 different sports categories, including cycling, winter sports, and padel, to attract visitors from around the world. This move comes at a time when global sports tourism makes up about 10 percent of all tourism activities, while Türkiye’s share remains around just 1.5 percent, Kiraz said.
Officials see this gap as a big opportunity. Kiraz revealed that the country will host Europe’s largest sports tourism fair in Antalya from May 31 to June 3, where some of the world’s top sports companies and organisers will meet and explore investment and tourism opportunities in Türkiye. The event aims to elevate Türkiye’s brand as a versatile sports destination.
According to Kiraz, sports tourism has an economic impact far beyond just the events. It helps fill hotel rooms during the winter season, supporting staff year round and reducing the so‑called “off season” slump in business at coastal and mountain resorts previously quiet from December through February.
From Cycling to Ski Slopes: New Sports Pulling Tourists
Cycling is one of the fastest growing tourism segments being highlighted by Türkiye’s strategy. Antalya in particular is becoming a hub for bicycle tourism with major annual events like the Tour of Antalya, UCI Gran Fondo World Series Antalya race, and Padelia drawing athletes and fans from many countries. These events combine sport with local attractions, which increases hotel bookings and local spending.
Winter sports are also a major part of the expansion plan. With advanced ski resorts and winter centers, cities like Erzurum are already seeing international interest. Erzurum, a top winter sports destination, offers more than skiing; it now hosts snow rafting, wildlife support events in snow fields, and various adventure activities that attract both local and international thrill seekers.
Other parts of the country, such as Erciyes and Uludağ, are well‑known for skiing and winter tourism too. These destinations combine snowy mountain adventures with cultural experiences, hotels, and local cuisine that make the destination appealing to families and athletes alike.
Turkey also plans to use indoor sports facilities in cities like Samsun, which hosts ice hockey, curling, and skating competitions. These venues not only host events but also offer training for athletes and tour packages for visitors seeking active vacations.
Major Events and Infrastructure Strengthen the Push
To ensure a strong tourism offering, Türkiye is not relying on just one or two sport types. The upcoming Antalya sports tourism fair will combine more than a dozen disciplines and bring together leading international sports organisations, event operators, and travel agencies. This is a key moment for Türkiye to show its capacity and facilities to the global sports tourism market.
In addition to local events, historical international competitions like the Tour of Türkiye cycling race continue to grow. This race regularly attracts teams and athletes from dozens of countries and showcases many scenic parts of the nation as race stages, boosting both tourism and the global profile of Turkish sport locations.
Ef forts to improve infrastructure and services are also underway. High altitude training complexes in places like Erzurum support both elite athletes and training camps that bring long‑term visitors. These facilities combine sports science, conditioning areas, accommodation, and medical support to make Türkiye a year‑round sporting home.
Sports Tourism’s Boost to Local Communities
Kiraz emphasised that expanding sports tourism is also a push for local economies. In regions that previously relied on seasonal tourism, bringing athletes and sports fans year round means longer hotel seasons and more stable employment. This supports hotel staff, tour guides, local shops, and transport services.
Analysts say that this strategy also brings wider global attention to Türkiye’s geography and culture. Visitors who come for sport events often extend their stays to enjoy the beaches, national parks, historical sites, and culinary experiences that the country is known for. Sports tourism becomes a gateway to broader tourism growth.
Here is a snapshot of how sports tourism plays into Türkiye’s broader tourism goals:
| Category | Current Status | Target Impact |
| Football tourism | Strong Traditional Base | Remains Strong |
| Cycling Events | Growing International Interest | Major Focus for International Growth |
| Winter Sports | Established Resorts | Increased Global Promotion |
| Multi‑Sport Events | New Platforms Emerging | Key Opportunity for Global Market |
| Employment | Seasonal Peaks | More Stable Year‑Round Jobs |
Challenges and Road Ahead
Even with bold plans and strong facilities, Türkiye faces challenges. The sports tourism industry needs continuous investment in quality accommodations, international marketing, and multilingual support services to host global visitors comfortably and reliably. Transport links between stadiums, resorts, and cities must be streamlined to ensure the best tourist experience.
Officials and tourism leaders remain confident that with strong government support and private sector participation, these hurdles can be overcome. The collaboration between tourism stakeholders and international sports organisations is seen as a key factor that can make Türkiye a top choice for sports fans worldwide.
Türkiye’s journey to become a global sports tourism powerhouse is now in motion, and with major events and expanded offerings on the calendar, the world is about to take notice. Do you think sports tourism will change the way people travel to Türkiye Let us know with the hashtag #TurkiyeSportsTourism and tell others what part of this sports journey excites you most.
