57% of foreign tourists prefer to make payments by card

According to the statement made by the company, Visa has shared the Visa 2023 Global Travel Intentions Study. The research offers important insights into the preferences and spending habits of foreign tourists visiting Turkey.

Accordingly, Turkey remains an attractive destination, particularly for travelers from Germany, the UK, the US, and Middle Eastern countries. The study, which reveals that 4 out of every 10 foreign tourists plan to return to Turkey within 12 months, notes that delicious food (54%), budget-friendliness (42%), and attractive shopping opportunities (41%) are among the main reasons that make Turkey appealing, with families with children particularly preferring Turkey.

57% of tourists prefer to make their payments by card. The main reasons for tourists preferring card usage are listed as the widespread acceptance of cards, their validity at ATMs, and personal preference. 83% of those who use cards prefer to make contactless payments.

Foreign tourists visiting Turkey spend an average of 2,900 dollars per trip. The highest spending per trip is made by families traveling with children older than 12, at 4,015 dollars.

"We have been a bridge for foreign tourists to always make comfortable and secure payments"

In the statement, Visa Turkey General Manager Samile Mümin, whose views were included, stated that the results from the Visa 2023 Global Travel Intentions Study contain important insights for Turkey's tourism sector, adding, "2024 marks the 40th anniversary of Visa's presence in Turkey. As Visa, since the very first day, we have been a bridge for foreign tourists visiting our country to always make comfortable and secure payments. We are proud to fulfill this role in the best way possible thanks to our infrastructure that ensures the flow of foreign currency-based tourism revenues into our country."

The research reveals that foreign tourists stay in Turkey for an average of 11 nights. Security, cleanliness, and location constitute the fundamental criteria for accommodation for tourists visiting Turkey. While 80% of tourists visiting Turkey prefer hotels for accommodation, the UAE (91%), Germany (89%), and the UK (84%) stand out in this area.

Visitors coming to Turkey travel mostly for vacation purposes, while also preferring personalized experiences. While 29% of tourists choose "all-inclusive" accommodation and 21% choose "partial packages," 50% prefer to make their own reservations.

Recommendations from friends or family stand out as an important reference source for travelers. At the same time, travel review sites, search engine results, and social media posts are also influential. While tourists generally prefer to make reservations for accommodation and transportation one month in advance, restaurant reservations are made after arriving in the country.

The study reveals that 87% of tourists coming to Turkey would prefer eco-friendly travel if it were at a similar price level or cheaper compared to other alternatives.

Accommodation facilities that meet sustainability criteria, efficient use of energy in transportation, and avoiding single-use plastics stand out as the fundamental elements tourists consider in the field of sustainable travel.