Erdoğan credits Turkish TV series for tourism and export growth

Turkish TV dramas now get a shout-out from the presidential podium. After Monday's cabinet meeting, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the global reach of Turkish series helps raise Türkiye's brand value, and that this is one reason behind rising tourism and exports.

What did Erdoğan say?

Erdoğan said Turkish series reaching viewers in many countries make a significant contribution to promoting Türkiye. In his view, that is one of the factors supporting the rise in tourism.

He also insisted the growth in exports and tourism is no coincidence. "These increases are not ones that formed on their own or were driven by global trends," he said.

He credited exporters and tourism professionals for their hard work, and the government for its investments, incentives and support. He also named the steady growth of Turkish Airlines, the spread of Turkish series worldwide and the rise in Türkiye's brand value as part of the picture.

What's changing for tourism businesses?

Erdoğan announced that support for the sector will continue. The accommodation tax discount, which began in April, will be extended for another year.

The employee support given to facilities holding a Ministry of Culture and Tourism operating licence will also continue until 2028.

What's next?

The president wished the decisions well for the tourism sector. Details of how the extensions will be put into practice were not given in his statement.