Istanbul has recorded its best global ranking in congress tourism in a decade, securing the 13th position in Europe and 18th worldwide in 2025. This achievement follows the city’s successful hosting of 95 major international congresses, as highlighted in the GlobeWatch 2025 ICCA Countries and Cities Ranking Report.
Turkey Retains Global Position, Istanbul Climbs Two Spots
According to the GlobeWatch 2025 ICCA Countries and Cities Ranking Report, Turkey maintained its global standing by hosting 142 major international congresses in 2025, placing it 33rd worldwide. In the European rankings, Turkey secured the 18th position last year. Istanbul, a key driver of this success, advanced two positions from 15th in Europe and 20th globally in 2024.
The report underscores Istanbul’s consistent progress, stating, “Istanbul continues its positive momentum with a steady rise (in congress tourism), strengthening its position as a key driving force for Turkey’s overall performance and an important transit destination.”
Istanbul’s Best Performance in a Decade with 95 Congresses in 2025
The report further indicates that Istanbul’s sector-focused congress strategy and its growing prominence in the medical and scientific fields exemplify how meetings enhance cities’ reputation, networks, and long-term competitiveness. In 2016, Istanbul ranked 39th globally with 62 congresses but dropped to 133rd in 2017. However, the number of congresses and Istanbul’s global ranking have shown continuous improvement since 2022, rising to 23rd in 2022, 21st in 2023, and 20th in 2024. In 2025, Istanbul reached its best ranking in a decade, securing 18th place with 95 congresses.
Lisbon topped the global congress cities ranking, followed by Paris in second place and Barcelona in third. Vienna, Singapore, Prague, Copenhagen, London, Seoul, and Tokyo completed the top 10. In the country-based rankings, the United States maintained its lead, with Italy in second and Germany in third.
Target Markets: North America and Latin America
The Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau (ICVB), acting as a
