Istanbul, February 15 – Istanbul is set to bolster its position as a global congress destination with the announcement of a new 14,000-person capacity congress hall. Şekib Avdagiç, President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO) and Deputy Chairman of Istanbul Fuar Merkezi (İFM), revealed plans for this significant investment during his speech at TIF2026. The new hall will be part of an extensive expansion project at İFM, aiming to increase its capacity by 40 percent.
İFM’s Capacity to Reach 140,000 Square Meters
Avdagiç stated that construction has already begun on the additional investment at İFM. Upon completion, the fairground’s total capacity will reach 140,000 square meters, solidifying its status as the most influential fairground in the region. This expansion comes at a crucial time, as Istanbul has reportedly dropped two places in the international congress rankings.
Turkey’s Largest Column-Free Congress Hall Under Construction
The new 40,000-square-meter fairground area will feature a 20,000-square-meter column-free congress hall. Avdagiç emphasized the scale of this project, stating, “We hope to complete an area where 12,000 to 14,000 participants can hold congresses in a single hall within two years, and put it at the service of Istanbul tourism.” This will make it the largest congress hall in Turkey, capable of accommodating a substantial number of attendees.
Strategic Investment to Boost Istanbul’s Tourism
This investment is a strategic move to enhance Istanbul’s appeal for international congresses and events. The increased capacity and state-of-the-art facilities are expected to attract a greater number of large-scale gatherings, contributing significantly to the city’s tourism economy. The project is anticipated to be completed within two years, providing a much-needed boost to Istanbul’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector.
Impact on International Congress Rankings
The addition of such a large and modern congress facility is expected to help Istanbul regain its competitive edge in the global congress market. With its strategic location and rich cultural heritage, Istanbul aims to reclaim its position among the top destinations for international conferences and conventions.
Avdagiç Highlights Economic Benefits
İTO President Şekib Avdagiç underscored the economic benefits of this expansion, noting that it will not only attract more visitors but also create employment opportunities and stimulate various related industries. The investment reflects a commitment to developing Istanbul’s infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing global events market.
The project is a collaborative effort, with İTO playing a pivotal role in driving its realization. Further details regarding the architectural design and specific amenities of the new congress hall are expected to be released as the construction progresses.
The development at İFM is seen as a key component in Istanbul’s broader strategy to enhance its global standing as a hub for business, tourism, and culture. The 14,000-person congress hall is poised to become a landmark venue, attracting major international events to the city.
Source: https://www.turizmajansi.com/haber/turkiye-nin-en-buyuk-kongre-merkezi-h71558
