Recent thaw in relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia has led to a significant increase in the number of Saudi tourists visiting Turkey. According to official data from the Culture and Tourism Ministry, over 460,450 Saudis have visited Turkey in the first 11 months of this year, a fivefold increase compared to the same period last year. This is a clear indication of the growing interest of Saudi nationals in exploring the rich culture and history of Turkey, as well as its diverse tourism offerings.
The momentum of this increase is largely attributed to the joint efforts of both countries to improve relations, which had been strained in recent years due to the 2018 murder of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey's Istanbul consulate. However, the situation has improved significantly in recent months, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visiting Saudi Arabia in April, followed by a visit from Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to Turkey in June. The two leaders also met recently on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, further strengthening ties between the two countries.
Top officials from both countries have also been making reciprocal visits, with Treasury and Finance Minister Nureddin Nebati paying a visit to Riyadh in October, and Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al Falih attending a central business forum in Istanbul last week. These trips have not only helped to improve relations between the two countries but have also helped to promote tourism and business opportunities.
The increase in tourism is not only beneficial for the Turkish economy, but also for the property market, as more and more Saudi tourists are looking to buy properties in Istanbul and other major Turkish cities. The real estate market in Istanbul has been booming in recent years, with a growing number of investors looking to take advantage of the city's strategic location, rich history, and cultural heritage. With the increase in tourism from Saudi Arabia, it is expected that the demand for properties in Istanbul will only continue to grow in the coming months.
Overall, the recent thaw in relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia has brought about a significant increase in the number of Saudi tourists visiting Turkey, providing a boost to the Turkish economy and the property market. It is expected that this trend will continue in the coming months, as more and more Saudi nationals discover the many wonders and opportunities that Turkey has to offer.
