Turkey is converting its globally acclaimed Turkish dramas into a strong tourism-boosting tool. Through the development of destination-focused miniseries and strategic campaigns, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism seeks to promote cities such as Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, and Cappadocia to viewers all over the world. This move blends cultural interest with travel inspiration, associating popular entertainment with actual exploration.
New Promotional Projects: Istanbul, Antalya, and Beyond
The latest campaign features “Istanbul My Love”, set to air in countries with strong interest in Turkish productions, particularly in the Middle East and Latin America, as part of the ministry’s August-October promotional push. A 30-second TV adaptation will also be broadcast in select Gulf states.
Another production, “Antalya Gambit,” targets the Russian market and will include a short commercial for Russian television. The shows feature popular Turkish actors with international appeal: Engin Akyürek and Afra Saraçoğlu in Istanbul My Love, and Meryem Uzerli and Kaan Urgancıoğlu in Antalya Gambit.
Meanwhile, additional campaigns are underway for Marmaris, Bodrum, and the Mersin-Adana-Hatay route, with these films airing on Russian TV and international digital platforms. Promotional videos for Eastern Anatolia, Ankara, the Black Sea region, and Cappadocia will continue online throughout 2025, ensuring continuous exposure to global audiences.
Global Reach of Turkish Series
Special projects are planned for Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, and the Netherlands, expanding the reach of Turkey’s tourism campaigns across Europe. By the end of 2025, Turkish TV series and film promotions will have a digital presence in 72 countries and TV broadcasts in 29 countries.
Data from the Ministry shows that from January to June 2025, campaigns across 25 films and 74 websites generated 6.7 billion impressions and 1.9 billion views in 75 countries. Social media campaigns continue actively on GoTürkiye accounts across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and X. The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism is using the global popularity of Turkish TV dramas to attract international visitors, launching destination-themed miniseries on digital platforms and traditional TV channels in key markets.
Turkish TV Dramas: A Tourism and Cultural Powerhouse
Turkish dramas are now exported to over 150 countries, reaching 200 countries when digital platforms are included. Industry estimates suggest one billion unique viewers worldwide, with more than 300 domestic productions exported in 2024, generating $500 million in revenue.
The ministry’s strategy links Turkey’s cultural exports with tourism promotion, highlighting cities and regions through popular storytelling and familiar on-screen personalities. This approach not only strengthens Turkey’s global media presence but also encourages viewers to visit the locations they see in their favorite shows, creating a strong tourism-driven economic impact.
Key Takeaways
- Turkey is leveraging its popular TV dramas to drive tourism and increase global visibility.
- Campaigns cover major tourist destinations: Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, Marmaris, Cappadocia, Eastern Anatolia, Ankara, and the Black Sea region.
- Promotions are active across digital platforms and TV, reaching billions of impressions and views worldwide.
- The strategy reinforces Turkey’s position as a cultural and tourist hub, linking entertainment exports to economic growth.
Future of Tourism in Turkey by Promotional Push by Digital Drama
By linking favorite Turkish television shows to actual locations, Turkey is not only increasing its worldwide cultural influence but also fueling real-world tourism expansion. With advertisements on TV and online reaching billions, the nation is effectively converting viewers into visitors, solidifying its position as a destination to visit while bolstering its economy through innovative cultural marketing.
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