The Turkish government has unveiled a new initiative to boost its tourism industry by providing $100,000 in subsidies for each episode of lucrative television series that promote the nation and its culture. According to Culture Minister Mehmet Ersoy, this strategy not only positions Turkey as the third largest exporter of TV series globally but also serves as a marketing tool to enhance the visibility of Turkish language and cuisine abroad. This initiative has potential implications for both economic growth and cultural exchange, as it aims to reach a global audience while generating significant revenue.

Minister Ersoy highlighted the remarkable success of Turkish television series, which reportedly generate around $1 billion in export revenue across 170 countries. This new funding strategy is aimed at expanding this trend further by encouraging producers to create content that highlights the unique aspects of Turkey, thus drawing international tourists. As the Turkish government focuses on this direction, it views the television series as a means to spread the Turkish language and culture worldwide, potentially influencing how Turkey is perceived internationally.

To qualify for this subsidy, productions must align with the government’s goals for promoting Turkey and the Turkish language and must be targeted towards specific markets that are considered key for tourism growth. While specific criteria for eligibility have yet to be detailed, the government's focus on strengthening ties between cultural diplomacy and tourism suggests a robust investment in the future of Turkey's soft power initiatives.