Expatriates are the 'smiling face of the economy,' says Turkish business group

Turkish expatriates are a significant economic driver, referred to as the "smiling face of the economy" by Bendevi Palandöken, head of the Turkish Confederation of Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK).

Last year, Turkey hosted 11 million expatriates, who contributed approximately $12 billion to the country's $65 billion tourism revenue. TESK anticipates this figure to rise to $15 billion this year.

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The smiling face of the economy, as you know, is our expatriates. Last year we hosted 11 million expatriates. Approximately 12 billion dollars of the 65 billion dollar tourism revenue came from our expatriates. We expect our expatriates to contribute 15 billion dollars to tourism this year.

Palandöken highlighted that expatriates' contributions extend beyond tourism. They spend money on family and relatives, purchase goods to take back home, and engage in shopping that benefits local businesses. Their spending also stimulates sectors like real estate, including maintenance and repair services.

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They contribute to all sectors. They used to bring things when they came to our country. What's pleasing is that they now take things from our country. Because they see that everything is available in our country and when they compare with prices there, they see that it's actually cheaper here.

"They revive 185-200 sectors at once," Palandöken stated, emphasizing that expatriates not only fulfill their longing for home but also inject foreign currency into the economy. He noted the significant presence of Turkish citizens abroad, with nearly 4 million in Germany alone, and many others across Europe and the Americas.

Palandöken expressed gratitude to the expatriates for their contributions, acknowledging both their holidays and their "homesickness" that benefits the Turkish economy. He stressed the importance of providing excellent service to these visitors.

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They revive 185-200 sectors at once. They satisfy their homesickness, most importantly. They leave their foreign currency here. This is very important for us.