Research Information System
6th International Annual Meeting of Sosyoekonomi Society, Warszawa, Poland, 24 - 25 October 2019, pp.87-90
The purpose of this study is to analyze the distribution of the geographical regions where foreigners
arrive in Turkey between 1984 and 2018. The data set of this descriptive study is composed of tourist
statistics. The data obtained from the official websites of the Turkey Statistical Institute and the
Ministry of Culture and Tourism as secondary sources were analyzed through descriptive statistics in
context of geographical regions that are classified as Africa, America, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, and
Oceania by the United Nations. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that both in 1984 and
2018, Europe was the first with 60% and 64% while Oceania was the last with 1% and less than 1%
respectively. Asian’s share of 23% in 1984 increased to 31% in 2018. Nevertheless, the share of
America decreased to 2% in 2018 from 12% in 1984. Africa’s 4% share in 1984 decreased to 3% in
2018. According to the findings obtained, 95% of foreign visitors arriving in Turkey come from Europe
and Asia. These results can be interpreted as Turkey cannot provide an adequate level of progress in
diversifying the tourism market. The decrease in the number of visitors coming from America is
noteworthy. In order to obtain more detailed information, it is suggested that new researches should
be conducted at the sub-geographical regions and countries. This will guide the decision makers in
making strategic plans in which necessary measures are taken for market diversification.