CT Insight Report: What’s new in Türkiye?

Türkiye ranked as the top outbound destination for GCC travellers in the 2026 Connecting Travel Insight Report, supported by data from travel analytics firms RateHawk and Emerging Travel Group. The Mediterranean destination continues to attract demand due to its short flight times and simplified visa procedures, with cities such as Istanbul and Cappadocia remaining key tourism hotspots. 

In 2026, Avantgarde Refined Caves of Cappadocia, were even recognised in Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list, selected for its heritage, cave architecture and facilities including  6,000-square-foot cavern spa. Later this year, the property will debut the Creatopia Arts & Culture Center, offering a variety of live performances. Aliée Istanbul, a 99-key luxury hotel overlooking the Golden Horn, was also featured in the list. 

RELATED:

Oku Bodrum hotel debuts in Türkiye

Hilton grows Türkiye footprint with 5 new hotel signings

InterContinental Grand Ankara hotel opens in Türkiye’s capital

Following a record year in 2025, which saw tourism revenue rise 7% alongside the arrival of 64 million visitors, Türkiye is riding high. Hilton alone will open five properties, with four in Istanbul. In coastal Bodrum, boutique resort debuts include Oku, an adult-only retreat with 58 suites, many with private pools, and a 55-key Tapestry by Hilton.

Cultural highlights span Antalya’s Archaeology Museum reopening with nearly double the gallery space and thousands of artefacts displayed for the first time. In Istanbul, two historic train stations will reopen as ‘cultural islands’, with Sirkeci station set to host themed galleries.