The mobility experienced in tourism after the Kovid-19 epidemic was also reflected in the box office data of the National Palaces. A large difference was noted between the visitor data for the first 6 months of 2021 and 2022.
Accordingly, the number of tourists visiting the National Palaces in 2022 increased by 288 percent compared to the same period of the previous year and reached 2 million 565 thousand 257. In 2021, this figure was recorded as 660 thousand 253.
Topkapı Palace took the lead in the increase in visitors with 1 million 404 thousand 697 people. Topkapı was followed by Dolmabahçe Palace with 635 thousand 56 tourists.
A significant increase was also observed in the number of foreign visitors. The number of foreign visitors visiting the National Palaces increased by 233 percent from 360 thousand 107 to 1 million 199 thousand 943.
According to visitor data, the Museum of Islamic Civilizations, which was opened in Ramadan, hosted 334 thousand 87 people in about 3 months.
Beylerbeyi Palace, the most visited palace on the Anatolian side, increased the number of tourists from 23,778 to 154,523. Beykoz Glass and Billur Museum, which was opened in April 2021, also drew attention in the increase in visitors. This year, the museum became a frequent destination for nearly 110 thousand people.
It was stated that this year, the gardens attracted as much attention as historical buildings. Those who want to visit and see only the gardens of the structures affiliated to the National Palaces increased by 130 percent from 62 thousand 575 to 148 thousand 69. It was seen that the service provided by the cafes affiliated to the National Palaces was effective in the increase in the number.
Another issue that stood out in the visitor profile this year was that the National Palaces became one of the sightseeing stops for foreign tourists once again. Spaniards and Greeks took the first place in the number of European tourists. A small number of Far Eastern tourists were added to the Middle Eastern visitor groups.
