Turkey Aims to Expand Sports Tourism Beyond Football
Turkey Aims to Expand Sports Tourism Beyond Football
Turkey is taking strategic steps to diversify its sports tourism sector, moving beyond its traditional focus on football and investing in cycling, winter sports, golf, and other disciplines.
The country aims to position itself as a year-round international sports tourism hub by leveraging its modern infrastructure and expanding the range of sporting events it hosts.
According to Nida Kiraz, President of the Turkish Sports Tourism Association, the new initiative will cover 12 different sports and is designed to showcase Turkey's full potential to the global market.
"Our goal is to demonstrate Turkey's diverse sporting capabilities and establish the country as a premier destination for athletes and sports enthusiasts throughout the year," Kiraz emphasized.
Europe's Largest Sports Tourism Exhibition in Antalya
From May 31 to June 3, Antalya will host Europe's largest sports tourism exhibition, bringing together leading international sports companies and industry operators.
Kiraz emphasized that sports tourism plays a critical role in supporting employment during the winter months. Traditionally considered the "low season," the December–February period is now seeing a growing number of visiting athletes, helping hotels maintain year-round occupancy and ensuring stable job opportunities.
Significant Growth Potential
Globally, sports tourism accounts for around 10% of total tourism activity, while in Turkey its share stands at just 1.5%, highlighting substantial room for growth.
Achieving a larger share of the market will require close cooperation between the government and the private sector.
Nationwide Sports Infrastructure
Turkey boasts diverse sports infrastructure across the country, including:
- Winter sports centers in Erzurum
- A modern velodrome in Konya
- Olympic sports complexes in Samsun
- Ski resorts in Erciyes and Uludağ
Cycling Tourism on the Rise
Cycling, in particular, is experiencing rapid global growth, with Antalya emerging as one of the key destinations.
In 2026, the city will host three major events — Tour of Antalya, Gran Fondo, and Padelya — expected to further strengthen the region's sports tourism sector.
Golf Tourism Thriving
Golf tourism is also thriving, with courses fully booked and playing an important role in sustaining winter tourism. The Belek region, in particular, has become a premier destination for golf enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond.
Key Sports Tourism Destinations in Turkey
12-Sport Initiative
The Turkish Sports Tourism Association's new initiative covers 12 different sports disciplines, including:
Economic Impact and Employment
Sports tourism has become a vital component of Turkey's strategy to maintain year-round tourism activity. By attracting athletes and sports teams during traditional low-season months, the sector helps:
- Maintain hotel occupancy rates throughout the year
- Provide stable employment for tourism sector workers
- Generate revenue for local businesses in winter months
- Develop specialized sports infrastructure
With sports tourism currently representing only 1.5% of Turkey's total tourism activity compared to the global average of 10%, the growth potential remains substantial.
Future Outlook
As Turkey continues to invest in sports infrastructure and bid for international sporting events, the country is well-positioned to capture a larger share of the global sports tourism market. The combination of modern facilities, favorable climate, and strategic location offers significant advantages for attracting athletes and sports organizations from around the world.
Sports tourism growth target: From 1.5% to 10% of total tourism | 12 sports disciplines targeted | 3 major cycling events in 2026
