Author: Luxury Estate Turkey
Viewed 12 times
09 January 2026
Global travel isn’t “coming back.” It has already come back. Data referencing Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025 places both Istanbul and Antalya inside the global top 10.
For travellers, this is a headline. For investors, it is a massive buy signal. When two cities from one country sit in the world’s top 10, demand does not stay inside airports and hotels. It spills into residences, rental markets, and long-term ownership decisions.
At Luxury Estate Turkey, we read these rankings as a demand forecast. Because when Istanbul attracts 19.7 million visitors and Antalya pulls 18.6 million, the question shifts from “Is Turkey popular?” to “Where will the winners be inside Turkey?”
When a destination becomes globally dominant, accommodation demand follows—and property demand follows accommodation demand. Here is why these numbers matter if you are considering an apartment for sale in Alanya or weighing an investment in Istanbul:
Istanbul (#5 Global Rank): With ~19.7 million visitors, it competes with London and Dubai as a global metropolis.
Antalya (#8 Global Rank): With ~18.6 million visitors, it confirms the Turkish Riviera is a primary world destination, not just a seasonal alternative.
Note on the Data: Euromonitor’s index isn’t just a tourist-counter. It evaluates cities on six pillars including infrastructure, safety, and economic performance. These rankings signal structural strength, not just a busy summer.
Ranking inside the global top 5 puts Istanbul in the “megacity” category. Investors buy here because the city does not rely on one season. It runs year-round.
12-month demand: Business, health tourism, and culture drive occupancy 365 days a year.
Liquidity advantage: Global attention creates buyer circulation. In active markets, resale speed improves.
Capital appreciation: Buyers use Istanbul for long-term value growth in prime districts.
Antalya’s #8 ranking fuels the wider region’s visibility. Buyers rarely stop at the airport; they explore the coastline. This is where real estate in Alanya becomes the logical beneficiary.
Why the "Alanya Effect" works:
Liveable Resort Feel: Alanya attracts buyers who want the Mediterranean lifestyle but require city-level services, hospitals, and winter activity.
Rental Volume: 18.6 million visitors mean a huge pool searching for stays. Well-managed residences in Alanya capture this overflow.
Second-home conversion: High-traffic destinations turn tourists into owners. Many investors start with a holiday and end with a Title Deed.
Both cities are winners, but the best choice depends on your goal.
| Decision Factor | Istanbul (Metropolis) | Antalya / Alanya (Coast) |
| Best For | Year-round city life, business demand | Lifestyle ownership, holiday rentals |
| Demand Profile | 12-month constant flow | Peak season intensity + long-stay winter |
| Investor Mindset | Capital appreciation focus | Rental income + Personal use |
Real estate rewards early positioning. The data confirms that attention is already here. If you are looking for property, the question is not "Will Turkey stay popular?", but "Which property converts this demand into results?"
Choose your lane based on proven demand.
Browse high-demand options: View apartments and homes in Alanya
Prefer the big-city lane: Explore Istanbul property opportunities
Get a custom shortlist: Contact Luxury Estate Turkey for a consultation built around your goals.
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