8.3% Decline in the Number of Tourists Arriving in Muğla in May
Data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism titled "Distributions of Tourists Entering Muğla Through Border Gates of Muğla Province by Nationality and Border Gates in May 2026" revealed the picture of the first five months of the tourism season. Accordingly, there was an 8.3% decline in Muğla tourism as of May.
Muğla tourism started the 2026 season with a decline compared to the previous year. According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's data on border gates for May 2026, 376,064 tourist entries were made in May. This number was recorded as 409,920 during the same period last year, marking a decrease of 33,856 tourists and a decline of 8.3%. The total number of tourists visiting Muğla during January-May period was 604,766. The busiest entry point was Dalaman Airport with 328,802 tourists, while Marmaris Port was the leading sea border gate with 43,791 visitors.
A total of 604,766 tourists entered Muğla during January-May 2026. Among these visitors, 523,985 were foreign tourists and 80,781 were Turkish citizens.
Approximately 34 Thousand Decrease Compared to Last Year
The number of tourists arriving in Muğla during the same period in 2025 was recorded as 638,622. Accordingly, there was a decrease of 33,856 in the first five months of 2026.
This figure indicated approximately a 5.3% decline compared to the same period last year.
The Biggest Decline Occurred in May
The number of tourists arriving in Muğla by month in 2026 was as follows:
January: 11,825
February: 15,606
March: 44,326
April: 156,945
May: 376,064
While in the same period in 2025;
January 12,134
February: 15,526
March: 35,342
April: 191,094
May: 409,920 were announced.
According to the data, the decline started gradually from the first month of the year. In May, the number of tourists decreased from 409,920 to 376,064, a drop of 33,856 tourists. Nearly all of the total decline in the first five months was due to the decrease in May.
The Busiest Gate Was Dalaman Airport
When examining the border gates, the highest number of entries was made through Dalaman Airport with 328,802 people.
Milas-Bodrum Airport followed with 144,698 tourists.
Among the sea gates, the busiest entry point was Marmaris Port with 43,791 tourists. Thus, Marmaris became the point hosting the most tourists among Muğla's ports.
Foreign Tourist Dominance Continues
Of the total 604,766 visitors;
523,985 were foreign tourists
80,781 were Turkish visitors as recorded.
Accordingly, about 86.6% of the visitors to Muğla were foreign tourists, while 13.4% were Turkish citizens.
Industry representatives noted that the decline in the first five months was largely due to the slowdown in reservations in May, and they expect the season to recover with school holidays, the summer vacation period in the European market, and the July-August peak. Reservations especially from the UK, Poland, Germany, and Russia markets are expected to determine Muğla tourism's summer performance.
