Investing in Turkey’s Booming Tourism Sector: How to Start a Travel Agency

Türkiye Surpasses Italy to Become the World’s 4th Most Visited Country

According to the May 2025 World Tourism Barometer published by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Türkiye welcomed 56.7 million international visitors in 2024, making it the 4th most visited country in the world, overtaking Italy. The total number of visitors, including citizens residing abroad, reached an impressive 62.3 million.

This significant achievement reflects Türkiye’s strong tourism infrastructure, year-round travel offerings, historical and cultural richness, and successful promotional efforts. As Türkiye continues to rise in global tourism rankings, it presents excellent opportunities for investors, especially in the travel and hospitality sector.

Why Türkiye Is the Perfect Place to Open a Travel Agency

Known as a tourism paradise, Türkiye attracts millions of visitors each year from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Cities like Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, and İzmir are major tourist hubs, while the country's hospitality, affordability, and diverse travel offerings continue to attract attention.

For foreign entrepreneurs and residents in Türkiye, opening a travel agency is not only a dream but also a profitable investment opportunity if managed correctly.

What Does a Travel Agency Do in Türkiye?

Travel agencies in Türkiye generate income by offering tourism-related services, including:

• Organizing local and international tours

• Selling holiday packages

• Booking accommodation, transportation, and entertainment

• Acting as tourism consultants

• Offering reservation and documentation support

A well-run travel agency understands tourist expectations, manages logistics, and builds partnerships to deliver excellent experiences.

Legal Steps to Open a Travel Agency in Türkiye

Opening a travel agency involves two main steps: company formation and tourism licensing.

1. Choose the Company Type

Foreigners can establish a Limited Company or Joint Stock Company (A.Ş.), which are both suitable for tourism operations.

2. Register the Company

• Obtain a tax number

• Register with the Trade Registry

• Join the Chamber of Commerce

• Decide on your business activity and service area

3. Apply for a Travel Agency License

To legally operate as a travel agency, you must obtain a Travel Agency Operating License from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This requires:

• Employing a tourism graduate or someone with a guide/information certificate

• Applying for membership to TÜRSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies)

• Paying membership fees and depositing required guarantees

Required Documents:

• Valid passport or residence card

• Tax registration certificate

• Criminal record certificate

• Commercial registration documents

• Employment record for required personnel

• Application forms and official declarations

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Travel Agency in Türkiye?

Estimated setup costs (2024):

• Limited Company capital: 50,000 TL

• TÜRSAB registration: 359,476.83 TL (one-time)

• TÜRSAB annual dues: 17,973.85 TL

• Ministry guarantee fee:

  • A Group: 7,000 TL

  • B Group: 6,000 TL

  • C Group: 5,000 TL

• Additional costs: notary, translations, personnel salaries, office rent, software, and marketing

Estimated total cost: around 500,000 TL

Types of Travel Agencies in Türkiye

• A Group: Full-service agency (domestic and international)

• B Group: International ticket sales, limited services

• C Group: Domestic tours for Turkish citizens only

Foreign investors usually choose A Group licenses to offer a full range of services and partner with international platforms.

Can Foreigners Open a Travel Agency in Türkiye?

Yes. Foreign nationals can open and operate a travel agency if they:

• Are over 18 years old

• Have no serious criminal record

• Meet commercial eligibility standards

• Employ qualified tourism personnel (or meet the criteria themselves)

Foreign entrepreneurs living in Türkiye under a residence permit or through company establishment can complete the process with legal support.

Is Opening a Travel Agency Profitable?

Travel agencies can be very profitable, especially in Türkiye’s growing tourism landscape. While international tours have higher risk due to foreign market dynamics, domestic tours and booking services are often highly profitable.

The key to success lies in:

• Marketing tours 30–150 days in advance

• Understanding customer expectations

• Offering quality service with consistent customer follow-up

Why Now Is the Right Time to Invest

With Türkiye’s record-breaking rise in international tourism rankings and strong government support for tourism growth, the timing has never been better for launching your travel agency.

At Bayraktar Attorneys, we help foreign investors establish businesses in Türkiye—from registering a company to securing the right tourism licenses. We provide full legal support in English, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian to ensure a smooth and secure launch for your new venture.

Whether you are an expat living in Türkiye or an international investor, our team is ready to help you tap into Türkiye’s thriving tourism economy.