29 thousand people visited Turkey in May

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According to the statistics shared by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism based on the data of Directorate General of Security, the number of foreign visitors who visited Turkey dropped by 99.26 percent in May 2020 when compared to the same month last year.

29 thousand 829 people visited Turkey last month. This figure was 3 million 678 thousand in May 2018 and 4 million 22 thousand in May 2019.

The statement of the ministry has indicated that seven percent of these visitors (2 thousand 90) came to Turkey for a daytrip.

As for the countries that sent the highest number of visitors to Turkey in May, Bulgaria ranks first with 22.75 percent (6 thousand 785). Bulgaria is followed by Georgia with 10.26 percent (3 thousand 61) and Ukraine with 7.68 (2 thousand 291). Ukraine is followed by Romania and Serbia.

As for the border gates with the highest number of foreign visitors entering Turkey, the provinces where the gates are located are as follows:

Edirne - 59.05 percent (17 thousand 615)
Artvin - 13.94 percent (4 thousand 157)
Kilis - 7.57 percent (2 thousand 258)
Samsun - 5.95 percent (one thousand 775)
İstanbul - 2.84 percent (847)

Average number of visitors dropped by 66 percent

The number of foreign nationals who visited Turkey in January-May period dropped by 66.35 percent when compared to the same period last year.

The number of foreign visitors who came to Turkey was 4 million 292 thousand 711 in the first five months of 2020. While this figure was 11 million 462 thousand in 2018, it was 12 million 757 thousand in 2019.

As for the countries with the highest number of visitors to Turkey, they were Bulgaria with 9.46 percent (406 thousand 245), Germany with 8.32 percent (357 thousand 092) and Georgia with 7.75 percent (332 thousand 731).

According to temporary figures, the number of citizens who visited Turkey in May 2020 also fell by 94.16 percent (71 thousand 032) in a year. The number of citizens who left Turkey after their visit to the country also dropped by 94.63 percent (63 thousand 556 people).

While 39 million 488 thousand people visited Turkey in 2018, this figure was 45 million 58 thousand people in 2019. (HA/SD)