Although the origins of tourism activities in Türkiye date back many years, the tourism sector today continues to evolve within the framework of modern paradigms and multidimensional approaches. Tourism is no longer considered merely an economic activity; rather, it is defined as a multidisciplinary field that is deeply intertwined with socio-cultural, environmental, and political dynamics and shaped by the involvement of multiple stakeholders. In this context, tourism policies do not solely focus on increasing tourism revenues, but also encompass comprehensive goals such as sustainable development, environmental conservation, the preservation of cultural values, and the enhancement of societal well-being. The evolution of tourism policies in Turkey has been shaped through public-private cooperation since the early years of the Republic. With the advent of planned development periods, these policies have acquired a more systematic, multidimensional, and strategic character. Documents such as the Five-Year Development Plans and the Türkiye Tourism Strategy position tourism as a vehicle for economic growth, job creation, and regional development. In recent years, modern elements such as digitalization, green transformation, and quality standards have also been incorporated into policy frameworks.

In the formulation of tourism policies in Türkiye, principles such as social justice, environmental sustainability, and cultural integrity are emphasized alongside economic rationality. Therefore, tourism planning is approached not only as a technical and economic process, but also as a dynamic policy field aligned with complex socio-political objectives. The tourism sector in Türkiye continues its transformation through the active participation of the state, the private sector, and civil society. Infrastructure investments, human resource development, promotional activities, and branding strategies are key components in enhancing the country’s global competitiveness in tourism. In conclusion, tourism policies continue to contribute significantly to Türkiye’s economic development by positioning tourism as a strategic sector that fosters sustainable growth, regional development, and social welfare.

The aim of this study is to examine the historical development of the tourism sector in Türkiye, the evolution of tourism policies, and current strategic orientations, in a comprehensive manner. The study seeks to reveal how tourism has been shaped through its economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions, while also assessing the current state of Turkish tourism in terms of sustainability, governance, infrastructure development, and digitalization. Ultimately, the study aims to highlight the strategic role of tourism policies in alignment with the sector’s multidimensional nature and their contribution to national development.