During the launch event, tourism industry leaders, media representatives, institutional partners and project stakeholders gathered to discover the vision, strategic objectives and operational framework of the organization, which will take place in Trabzon on 10–11 December 2026.
A New International Vision for Black Sea Tourism
The launch highlighted the need to position the Black Sea as a globally recognized tourism destination by promoting its unique natural landscapes, cultural heritage, historical treasures and rich gastronomy to international audiences.
Founded by Mustafa Topaloğlu, Anıl Bayraktar, Mehmet Ali Tuna and Mustafa Üçbaş, Black Sea Tourism Hub aims to transform the region from a seasonal destination into a year-round tourism economy driven by international partnerships, sustainable business development and global networking.
Mustafa Topaloğlu: “Our Goal Is Far Greater Than Organising an Event”
Speaking at the launch, Mustafa Topaloğlu, Vice Chairman of All Seasons Hotel & All Seasons Suites and a three-term Board Member of TÜROB, explained that the concept behind Black Sea Tourism Hub was shaped by more than twenty-five years of experience within the tourism industry.
According to Topaloğlu, successful destinations are defined not only by their natural beauty or cultural heritage, but by their ability to connect those assets with international markets through strategic partnerships and powerful industry platforms.
“As someone born and raised in the Black Sea region, I have always believed in its extraordinary potential,” he said.
“Today, we are not simply launching another tourism event. We are taking the first step toward a long-awaited vision that has been missing from our region for many years.”
He emphasized that the Black Sea possesses one of Türkiye’s richest tourism portfolios, combining breathtaking landscapes, centuries of history, authentic culture, world-renowned gastronomy, spectacular highlands and genuine hospitality.
According to Topaloğlu, Black Sea Tourism Hub has been established as an international platform capable of introducing these strengths to global tourism markets on an unprecedented scale.
“The Black Sea Must Become a Year Round Tourism Economy”
Topaloğlu stressed that Black Sea Tourism Hub is not the achievement of a single individual but the result of collective vision, collaboration and shared commitment.
Working together with project partners, industry professionals and supporters, the founding team set out to build a platform inspired by the dynamic spirit of the Black Sea itself—one capable of connecting the region with the international tourism community.
“Our ambition extends far beyond organising an event,” he said.
“We want to position the Black Sea as an internationally recognised tourism hub. The region should no longer be viewed as a destination for only a few months of the year. Instead, it should evolve into a vibrant, year-round tourism economy that welcomes visitors, creates opportunities and generates sustainable value throughout all twelve months.”
Anıl Bayraktar: “The Future of Tourism Will Be Shaped by Strong Connections”
Anıl Bayraktar, Co-Founder of Black Sea Tourism Hub, described tourism as one of the world’s most powerful ecosystems—bringing together people, cultures, ideas and opportunities.
Bayraktar emphasized that the industry’s future depends on building strong relationships and fostering sustainable partnerships. Drawing on his experience, he noted the tremendous value created when tourism professionals from countries including Georgia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan come together to exchange knowledge, develop new business opportunities and establish lasting collaborations.
He described Black Sea Tourism Hub as an international meeting platform built on the shared vision and collective expertise of its founding partners and industry stakeholders. Positioned between Europe and Asia, the initiative aims to serve as a strategic bridge connecting the tourism potential of both continents while creating new opportunities for international cooperation and sustainable growth.
More Than 750 Tourism Professionals from Over 20 Countries Expected to Attend
Black Sea Tourism Hub 2026, taking place in Trabzon on 10–11 December 2026, is expected to bring together more than 750 tourism professionals from over 20 countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the Balkan countries.
The event will provide a dynamic business platform where travel agencies, tour operators, destination management companies (DMCs), hotels, airlines, cruise representatives, travel technology providers, MICE professionals, and investors can meet to establish new partnerships, explore emerging markets, and help shape the future of the global tourism industry.
Why Trabzon?
The launch event also highlighted Trabzon’s strategic importance as one of the Black Sea region’s most accessible and well-connected tourism hubs.
With its international flight connections, extensive regional transportation network, and convenient access to neighbouring destinations, Trabzon serves as a natural gateway to Georgia, Azerbaijan, Russia, and the wider Central Asian markets. Its unique geographical position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes the city an ideal host for an international tourism platform such as Black Sea Tourism Hub.
Organisers also emphasized that Trabzon’s location within the wider Black Sea basin—connecting tourism flows between Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, and Georgia—provides a strong foundation for international networking, cross-border collaboration, and long-term tourism development.
Mehmet Ali Tuna: “Tourism Today Grows Through the Right Strategy and Strong Partnerships”
Mehmet Ali Tuna, Co-Founder of Black Sea Tourism Hub, Founder of TZX Travel, and Chairman of the TÜRSAB Eastern Black Sea Regional Representative Board, said it was a privilege to introduce the Black Sea Tourism Hub project at the historic Tekfur Palace, a venue renowned for its unique architectural heritage and cultural significance.
Drawing on his experience as a regional tourism leader, Tuna emphasized that the industry’s growth is no longer driven by promotion alone. Instead, he noted, sustainable success depends on well-defined strategies, strong partnerships, and high-quality investment.
Sharing key figures on Trabzon’s tourism infrastructure, Tuna stated that the city is home to 400 accommodation establishments, offering 17,582 rooms and 36,861 beds. He also revealed that Trabzon welcomed more than 1.447 million visitors in 2025, highlighting both the region’s substantial tourism capacity and its significant investment potential.
“We Will Bring Every Stakeholder of the Tourism Industry Together Under One Roof”
Tuna explained that Black Sea Tourism Hub was created to connect the Black Sea region’s remarkable tourism potential with the right international professionals and decision-makers.
“The platform will unite tourism professionals, destinations, hotels, travel agencies, airlines, investors, and every key stakeholder across the tourism value chain,” he said.
He noted that the event, taking place in Trabzon on 10–11 December 2026, will host exhibitors and tourism professionals from numerous countries, creating a powerful environment for discovering new markets, developing new travel routes, and establishing long-term business partnerships.
Emphasizing that lasting success in tourism depends on identifying the right markets, reaching the right audiences, and building the right connections, Tuna concluded:
“Collaboration is at the heart of everything we aim to achieve. That is why we are looking not only for support, but for active participation and a shared sense of ownership from the entire industry.”
Thanking all participants for their support, Tuna expressed his confidence that Black Sea Tourism Hub 2026 will become a platform that creates lasting value for the tourism industry, opens the door to new international partnerships, and fosters sustainable commercial relationships for years to come.
Hasan Eker: “This Initiative Should Be Embraced as a National Project for the Tourism Industry”
Speaking at the launch, Hasan Eker, Vice President of TÜRSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies), described Black Sea Tourism Hub as a significant milestone for Türkiye’s tourism industry.
Eker pointed out that nearly one-third of international visitors travel to Istanbul, another third to Antalya, while the remaining visitors are spread across the country’s other provinces. He stressed that Türkiye’s long-term tourism vision should focus on expanding tourism across all 81 provinces and creating a sustainable 12-month tourism economy.
He noted that initiatives such as Black Sea Tourism Hub play an important role in supporting Türkiye’s economic, cultural, and tourism development goals. Congratulating the project’s founding partners—Mustafa Topaloğlu, Anıl Bayraktar, Mehmet Ali Tuna, and Mustafa Üçbaş—along with everyone involved in bringing the initiative to life, Eker praised their vision and leadership in launching such an ambitious project.
Emphasizing that the success of the initiative should not rest solely on its founders, Eker called on the entire tourism industry to actively support the project.
“If this platform continues to grow sustainably, the benefits will extend far beyond the Black Sea region. It will create value for Türkiye’s tourism industry as a whole. As TÜRSAB, we will continue to stand behind this initiative and support its long-term success.”
Mustafa Üçbaş: “We See This Project as an International Platform for Collaboration”
Mustafa Üçbaş, Co-Founder of Black Sea Tourism Hub, Founder of Nirvana Agency, and Publisher of Hotel Gazetesi, described the initiative as far more than a tourism event.
According to Üçbaş, Black Sea Tourism Hub has been designed as an international platform that will generate long-term value for both the Black Sea region and Türkiye’s tourism industry by bringing together professionals, destinations, and decision-makers from around the world.
Drawing on many years of experience in the tourism and media sectors, Üçbaş emphasized that Türkiye’s remarkable tourism assets deserve far greater international recognition.
He highlighted the Black Sea region’s exceptional combination of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, distinctive gastronomy, and year-round tourism potential, adding that the project aims to leverage extensive expertise in media, promotion, and event management to strengthen the region’s visibility in international tourism markets.
“We firmly believe that Black Sea Tourism Hub 2026, to be held in Trabzon this December, will bring a fresh perspective to regional tourism, create new international partnerships, and help position the Black Sea where it truly belongs on the global tourism map.”
Driving International Recognition for the Black Sea Region
The primary objective of Black Sea Tourism Hub is to elevate the Black Sea region’s tourism potential on the international stage by expanding global awareness, creating new business networks, attracting investment, and strengthening sustainable partnerships across the tourism industry.
A Historic Setting: Tekfur Palace
The launch of Black Sea Tourism Hub took place at the historic Tekfur Palace, one of Istanbul’s most significant cultural landmarks and a symbol of the city’s rich historical legacy.
Located adjacent to the ancient city walls between Edirnekapı and Ayvansaray, Tekfur Palace is widely recognised as the only surviving Byzantine imperial palace in Istanbul to have largely preserved its original architectural character.
Also known in historical sources as the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus, the building is believed to have formed part of the Blachernae Palace Complex, serving as a residence for Byzantine emperors. During the Ottoman period, the palace took on new functions, most notably during the reign of Sultan Ahmed III, when it became home to the famous imperial tile workshops that produced some of the empire’s finest ceramics.
With a remarkable history spanning both the Byzantine and Ottoman eras—from imperial residence to centre of ceramic craftsmanship—Tekfur Palace provided an inspiring and culturally significant backdrop for the launch of Black Sea Tourism Hub.
Ayça Kuru Hosted the Launch Ceremony
The evening was hosted by Ayça Kuru, a respected etiquette and protocol trainer.
In her opening remarks, Kuru highlighted Trabzon’s historic role as a gateway between civilizations, noting that the city has long served as a strategic meeting point for trade, culture, and commerce.
Referring to the accounts of Marco Polo, she reminded guests that as early as the 13th century, Trabzon was recognised as one of the principal Black Sea ports through which the wealth and trade of the East reached Europe.
Kuru emphasised that Trabzon has historically been far more than a commercial harbour; it has been a place where people met, cultures connected, and lasting relationships were formed. She described Black Sea Tourism Hub as a modern reflection of this centuries-old tradition of international exchange and collaboration.
Fındıklı Women’s Polyphonic Choir Added a Cultural Dimension to the Evening
The cultural programme featured a performance by the Fındıklı Women’s Polyphonic Choir, conducted by Serdar Albayrak.
Founded in 2019, the choir has grown into a distinguished ensemble of 24 performers, bringing together women who share a passion for music, culture, and community.
Inspired by nature, everyday life, and the rich cultural heritage of Anatolia, the choir celebrates the unifying power of music while promoting women’s solidarity, social inclusion, and artistic expression. Through its performances, the ensemble also advocates values such as gender equality, respect for nature, cultural diversity, and community engagement, adding a meaningful cultural dimension to the launch event.
Acknowledging the Event Sponsors
The organising committee also expressed its sincere appreciation to the sponsors whose support contributed to the successful delivery of the Black Sea Tourism Hub 2026 press launch.
Poseidon Music & Event, Fil Catering, Event Works, and San Benedetto were recognised for their valuable partnership and commitment to the project.
The Black Sea Tourism Hub Organising Committee thanked all sponsors for supporting the shared vision of creating a globally connected platform that will contribute to the long-term development of tourism across the Black Sea region.
