This research thoroughly assesses and explores the impacts of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), on Türkiye’s tourism industry from economic and cultural perspectives. The study highlights its impact on interaction, critical infrastructure growth, and mutual economic ties. Türkiye’s strategic location between Europe and Asia positions it as a player in the BRI plan enabling prospects, for connectivity, tourism expansion, and cultural exchanges. The study investigates how investments, in transportation networks driven by the BRI, have enhanced accessibility and diversified Türkiye’s tourist demographics while facilitating cultural interactions. The research also looks at Türkiye’s efforts to advance diplomacy through joint events and preservation projects that strengthen its role as a connection, between the East and the West. The objective is to evaluate how BRI-driven investments in transportation infrastructure have improved accessibility, diversified tourist demographics, and fostered cultural interactions, while also analyzing Türkiye’s cultural diplomacy efforts through joint events and heritage preservation. The research emphasises the impacts of the BRI, on Türkiye’s tourism income and infrastructure development while acknowledging the issues related to the growing trade deficit with China and environmental sustainability concerns in a manner, by conducting a review of sources such as academic studies and governmental reports along with international policy documents in an integrated way, adopting a systematic literature review methodology. The results show both outcomes and obstacles associated with the BRI. Key findings reveal that while the BRI has significantly boosted Türkiye’s tourism revenues and infrastructural development, challenges persist, including a widening trade deficit with China and environmental sustainability concerns, which offer practical recommendations for decision-makers and stakeholders interested in capitalizing on its advantages while mitigating its social, economic, and environmental consequences. This study adds to the discussion, on economic collaboration and cultural diplomacy by offering a detailed insight into the transformative impact of the BRI. The implications of the study underscore the need for sustainable tourism practices, strategic economic policies, and strengthened cultural exchanges to maximize the BRI’s benefits while mitigating its socio-economic and environmental impacts. This research contributes to the
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