Abstract:

Tourism sector in Turkey has shown great progress since 1980. Contribution of foreign currency while the country was having economic problems, helped to decrease foreign debt and unemployment. The aim of this study is to analyze the place of tourism in Turkish Economy and development of tourism within economic indicators by using secondary data. The data showing the number of tourists coming to the country, income earned from tourists, amount of expenditure per tourists and the share of tourism from GDP, investments and exports, indicate that tourism is one of the most leading sectors in Turkish Economy from 1980’s onwards. It will be possible for Turkey to have a greater share from international tourism sector earnings if more competitive and sustainable policies are implemented in the future; and this will increase social welfare in the possible shortest period

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