Iraq maintained its position as the top Arab country sending tourists to Turkiye in 2025. This Iraq tourism leadership shows growing travel demand and cultural connections between the two nations. Officials say Iraqi travelers prefer Turkiye for proximity, ease of travel, and strong cultural ties.
More than one million Iraqis visited Turkiye in 2025, marking a 6.44% increase from the previous year. In total, 1,031,257 Iraqi tourists traveled to the country, surpassing Saudi Arabia with 921,000 visitors, Algeria with 343,000, and Jordan with 281,000. These figures highlight Iraq’s dominant role among Arab travel markets.
Tourism remained strong throughout the year. In December alone, 74,007 Iraqis visited Turkiye. Experts link this sustained interest to convenient travel measures, geographic proximity, and deep cultural and historical connections that make Turkiye a preferred destination for Iraqi visitors.
The tourism influx contributed significantly to Turkiye’s economy. Total revenues reached $65.23 billion in 2025, up 6.8% from the previous year. The fourth quarter experienced nearly a 10% increase, with revenues rising 9.9% to $15.15 billion. Analysts say Iraqi tourism played a key role in boosting these earnings.
Officials from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism praised Iraq’s continued interest As well as, They emphasized that Iraq has held the top position among Arab countries sending visitors since 2023. Tourism authorities aim to maintain this momentum through improved travel services and cultural promotion programs.
Travel agencies in Baghdad and other Iraqi provinces report strong demand for flights, hotels, and package tours to Istanbul and other major Turkish destinations. Airlines note that Iraqi bookings dominate Arab travel traffic to Turkiye. Experts predict further growth as travel ties expand and visa facilitation improves.
The Iraq tourism leadership in Turkiye also creates broader opportunities. Increased arrivals support airlines, hotels, and local businesses. Tourism growth generates employment, strengthens bilateral relations, and encourages cultural exchanges between Iraq and Turkiye.
By maintaining its position as the top Arab travel market, Iraq demonstrates a strong demand for international tourism. Authorities say continued cooperation with Turkiye will enhance travel experiences and attract even more visitors in the coming years.