Despite being organized for the second time last year, the Istanbul Tourism Fair made a significant impact in both national and international tourism sectors. Did it meet expectations for both organizers and participants?

We held the second edition of the fair at the Yenikapı Eurasia Show and Art Center. This venue not only provided operational convenience but also ensured easy accessibility for all participants. Additionally, we introduced a standardized stand concept for the first time, which not only helped participants save costs and time but also eliminated stand competition. Over the course of two days, more than 15,000 tourism professionals visited the fair. As a result of scheduled meetings arranged via the online appointment system between visitors, exhibitors, and hosted buyers, more than 8,000 B2B meetings took place. We welcomed distinguished national and international speakers at the Tourism Summit and the Gastro Travel Summit, both of which attracted great interest. At the ITF Gala Party, participants and hosted buyers enjoyed a delightful evening. The interest in the fair and its accompanying events fully met our expectations.

How is the interest in this year’s fair? Will we see new participants at the fair?

There is strong interest in the third edition of the fair, which will take place on September 25-26, 2025. At the fair, which will again be held at the Yenikapı Eurasia Show and Art Center, we will continue to provide turnkey stands for participants. Additionally, in the 400 m² area reserved for gastronomy companies, boutique hotels, gastronomy cities, hotel equipment suppliers, and companies operating in the gastronomy sector will be present in the “Gastro Travel Area.” Under the support programs of the Ministry of Trade, health and sports tourism companies will once again benefit from a 60% participation support. With its expanding exhibition space, Istanbul Tourism Fair will welcome many new national and international participants this year.

How much business volume is expected to be generated at the fair?

Since our fair coincides with the hotel-agency contract period, thousands of agencies and hotels will finalize their contract agreements. With the participation of hundreds of hosted buyers from 37 countries, the agencies and hotels present at our fair will engage in business agreements and contract signings, making the event highly productive for the tourism sector. Additionally, considering the impact on Istanbul specifically, agencies and hotels from all over Turkey coming to attend the fair—along with approximately 15,000 tourism professionals—will generate significant economic revenue for the city through hotel accommodations, dining, and other expenditures.

As we know, international agreements are key to ensuring the continuity of fairs. Are there any efforts to transform ITF into an international travel fair?

First and foremost, we participate in all major international fairs to introduce our event to target participants and visitors. We conduct comprehensive promotional activities in target countries in collaboration with travel agency associations, hotel associations, national tourism offices, and tourism boards. In addition, we work closely with diplomatic missions in Turkey to spread the word about the fair through ambassadors and consuls. We ensure strong visibility within the sector through social media campaigns, field visits, and media collaborations both domestically and internationally. Our entire team is committed to international sales and marketing efforts year-round to enhance the fair’s global presence.

What kind of events will take place at the fair this year?

On the first day of the fair, the “Tourism Summit” will feature national and international speakers discussing emerging trends, evaluating the 2025 tourism season, and outlining expectations for 2026. The Travel Technology Summit, held within the framework of the Tourism Summit, will delve into the latest trends and developments in travel technology. On the second day, the Gastro Travel Summit will showcase the world of gastronomy with internationally renowned chefs. With these summits, ITF 2025 will continue to shape the industry.

Our renowned ITF Gala Party will take place on the evening of September 25. Carefully and meticulously prepared, this event will provide exhibitors and hosted buyers with an unforgettable experience that they will talk about for years to come. Additionally, through social programs, participants will have the opportunity to network with one another. To showcase the beauty of our city and promote our destination, we will also organize a Bosphorus tour on the first day for our hosted buyers.

What does the fair mean for Turkish tourism in general? What gap does it fill?

With the motto “Are you ready to network and make business connections?” ITF brings together over 15,000 national and international industry professionals in a high-quality and well-organized event. As Turkey’s tourism fair, we place great importance on quality and work diligently to ensure that our fair is recognized in the calendars of tourism professionals worldwide.

The business collaborations established with international participants play a crucial role in enhancing Turkey’s tourism trade volume and promotion. Our primary goal is to introduce all Turkish destinations and elevate Turkey’s brand to the highest level in the international arena. Additionally, through events like the “Tourism Summit and Gastro Travel Summit,” we provide valuable insights that contribute to the industry’s development and bring new perspectives to the sector.