Chinese tourists visit Cappadocia region in Türkiye on Jan. 4, 2026. A new visa-free regime for Chinese citizens is fueling expectations for a tourism boom in Türkiye, as industry operators predict the easier entry will lead to longer stays and deeper cultural ties.(Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
ANKARA, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- A new visa-free regime for Chinese citizens is fueling expectations for a tourism boom in Türkiye, as industry operators predict the easier entry will lead to longer stays and deeper cultural ties.
Under the policy launched on Jan. 2, Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports can enter Türkiye visa-free for tourism or transit for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The move comes ahead of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Türkiye in 2026, adding political weight to efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties.
Irfan Karsli, head of the Istanbul-based Ligarba Travel Agency, said the decision removes a long-standing barrier for Chinese travelers.
"The visa-free decision will clearly boost Chinese travelers' motivation to visit Türkiye," Karsli told Xinhua.
Karsli said the effects are already becoming visible, with tour bookings from China rising since the policy took effect. He expects the number of Chinese tourists to increase by 50 percent to 60 percent in 2026 compared to 2025 levels, with sustained growth through 2028.
China has emerged as one of Türkiye's fastest-growing tourism markets. Official data show Chinese arrivals rose 65.1 percent year on year in 2024 to about 410,000. In the first nine months of 2025, some 313,800 Chinese tourists visited the country, supported by expanded air links and a growing interest in cultural heritage.
"Around 150 million Chinese people travel abroad every year. Türkiye can claim a larger share of that market," Karsli said. To prepare for the influx, he added that Türkiye has been investing in infrastructure tailored to Chinese visitors, including specialized airport services.
Connectivity has also scaled up. In May 2025, China and Türkiye increased weekly passenger flights from 21 to 49, a development tourism executives say is crucial for sustaining long-haul demand.
The optimism extends to regional destinations such as Cappadocia, known for its volcanic rock formations and hot-air balloon flights. Murat Ozguc, a local tourism professional, said the policy removes a significant "psychological barrier."
"Cappadocia has long attracted Chinese tourists, but visa procedures complicated travel planning," Ozguc told Xinhua.
He noted that easier entry is likely to encourage visitors to stay longer and seek more in-depth cultural engagement rather than quick sightseeing. In response, hotels and operators in Cappadocia are expanding Mandarin-language services and developing itineraries focused on history and local interaction.
"With the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties approaching, tourism can help strengthen mutual understanding between ordinary people," Ozguc said. ■
A hot air balloon flies over Cappadocia region in Türkiye on Jan. 4, 2026. A new visa-free regime for Chinese citizens is fueling expectations for a tourism boom in Türkiye, as industry operators predict the easier entry will lead to longer stays and deeper cultural ties.(Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)