British tourist arrivals to Türkiye continue rising despite regional, global tensions: UK envoy

People-to-people links between the UK and the Turkish Republic are growing stronger every year, thanks in part to nearly 5 million British tourists visiting Türkiye annually and the vibrant Turkish community in Britain, said the UK ambassador to Ankara.

In an exclusive interview with Anadolu in the Turkish Riviera city of Antalya, where she wrapped up her weeklong tour of the country’s famed Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, Jill Morris highlighted that the number of British tourists arriving in Türkiye has enjoyed a “steady increase” despite regional and global tensions.

“When I arrived in 2023 there were 3.8 million British visitors (annually) and we now have almost 4 1/2 million British visitors coming to Türkiye, and I’m sure that those numbers will continue to grow,” she said, adding that Türkiye is “such a popular destination” not only for its beautiful sun and beach resorts but also for its rich culture, historic archaeological sites, and culinary delights.

Despite the impact of international conflict on global economies, “we are still seeing large numbers of British visitors coming to Türkiye,” Morris added.

British visitors remain the third-largest group of visitors by nationality to Türkiye, she said, adding that the two countries’ joint efforts as NATO allies at two ends of the European continent and as strategic partners to call for peace and dialogue and diplomacy will continue unabated.

Antalya Diplomacy Forum

Morris said last month’s Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) marked her third time attending the annual event, she said, noting how it grows every year not only in terms of size, in the sheer number of participants, but also “in terms of importance and value.”

“This year our foreign secretary attended as well as our minister for the Middle East,” she said.

“It’s such an important forum bringing together leaders from across the world to talk about the importance of dialogue and diplomacy and again against the current backdrop around the world that’s a very valuable opportunity,” she underlined.

Also commenting on the significant participation in the ADF from African countries, which are seeking their fair share of global trade and equal representation in global institutions, Morris pointed to the enormous opportunity for “British and Turkish business excellence” to collaborate not only in Africa but in other regions as well.

Last month Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited London, hosted by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, said Morris, and together they signed a new bilateral strategic partnership framework which laid the groundwork for even more collaboration in the future.

“And building on that strong bilateral collaboration, there is indeed a lot of potential to be working together more closely in Africa, but not just in Africa, in other regions as well.”

She explained that the UK and Türkiye “already have projects in the Balkans for example” and are looking to expand into Africa and elsewhere in line with the UK’s growing development relationship around the world.