ANKARA, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Türkiye's appeal as a destination for foreign weddings generated an estimated 3 billion U.S. dollars in revenue last year, according to industry insiders.

From multi-day Indian celebrations along the Mediterranean coast to ceremonies set amid the landscapes of Cappadocia, the rise of destination weddings has positioned Türkiye as one of the region's most sought-after locations for couples looking to combine their nuptials with travel, culture, and leisure.

Meltem Tepeler, president of the Türkiye International Events Association, said that foreign wedding travelers in Türkiye generated around 3 billion dollars in revenue in 2024.

"Wedding tourism has evolved into a structured and high-value segment of Türkiye's tourism industry," a major income generator for the nation's economy, Tepeler told Xinhua.

"These are not short visits. Couples arrive with families and friends, stay for several days and spend across multiple sectors," she said.

According to Tepeler, a single international wedding can attract anywhere from several dozen to several hundred guests to Türkiye, multiplying the economic impact compared with standard leisure tourism.

"Accommodation, catering, transportation, decoration, entertainment, photography and cultural activities all benefit," she added.

A key driver behind the growing popularity of destination weddings is Türkiye's ability to offer a wide range of wedding venues within a single country. Well-known tourism hubs such as Istanbul continue to draw couples in search of historic splendor, with palaces, waterfront mansions, and luxury hotels overlooking the Bosphorus.

Beach destinations like Antalya and Bodrum have emerged as favored locations for large, multi-day celebrations. Resorts in these areas are well-prepared to host welcome gatherings, wedding ceremonies, and farewell events in one place, sparing guests the need for extensive travel.

In central Anatolia, Cappadocia is a distinctive option for couples seeking a more unconventional wedding experience. Renowned for its fairy chimneys, cave hotels, and dramatic landscapes, the region has become particularly popular for symbolic ceremonies and photo-driven events.

"Many couples want their wedding to look and feel completely different," said Murat Ozguc, a tourism professional based in Cappadocia whose company organizes international weddings. "Here, the landscape becomes part of the ceremony."

According to Ozguc, a large portion of foreign wedding travelers come from Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia.

Ercan Cek, a tourism representative from Antalya, said that wedding tourism also plays a key role in tackling seasonality in Türkiye's tourism industry.

"Many weddings take place in spring and autumn, outside the peak summer season. This supports year-round employment and keeps hotels and service providers active for longer periods," he said.

With the widespread use of social media, foreign newlyweds often share images and videos online, which has helped further enhance Türkiye's reputation as a wedding destination.

"When couples choose to get married here, they form a lasting emotional connection with the country. That connection often brings them back as visitors and encourages others to follow," Cek said. ■