Istanbul is experiencing a significant shift in tourism patterns from the Middle East and North Africa, according to 2025 operating data released by Safaryar Holidays. The Istanbul-based destination management company reported a 52% increase in passengers from the MENA region, totalling 65,280 travellers.
The data reveals a structural change in how travellers from the region interact with the city. While the volume of arrivals rose sharply, the average length of stay decreased from 4.3 nights to 3.8 nights. Safaryar Holidays founder Alper Tekin indicated that this trend does not reflect a drop in demand but rather a shift toward Istanbul being used for frequent short breaks instead of infrequent, longer holidays. Despite the reduction in stay duration, total passenger nights handled by the company grew by approximately 34%, increasing from 184,900 to 248,000.
Accommodation demand remains concentrated in the upper-midscale segment. According to the report, 62% of the 2025 passengers stayed in four-star properties, accounting for approximately 40,500 people. Additionally, 22% stayed in five-star hotels and 16% utilised three-star accommodations.
Ground transportation trends suggest that travellers are prioritising specific experiences over high-end room categories. Data indicates that 28% of guests in five-star properties opted for VIP transfers, while 48% of guests in four-star hotels used shared shuttle services.
Founded in 2018, Safaryar Holidays operates under Sindibad Turizm Ticaret Anonim Şirketi and maintains direct contracts with 257 hotels in Istanbul, Ankara, and Van. The company serves 370 partner agencies globally, providing hotel inventory, transfers, and tour packages.
