Istanbul Tourism Fair Aims for Top Three Globally
Istanbul, February 15, 2026 – The Istanbul Tourism Fair (ITF) is poised to gather the most significant players in the tourism industry for its fourth edition. Organized by Dream Project, the fair is scheduled to take place on September 24-25, 2026, at the Yenikapı-Eurasia Show and Art Center. This event is set to define the future direction of the tourism sector.
Rapid Growth and Ambitious Goals
Spanning an area of 10,000 square meters, the fair will host 345 participating companies and welcome 17,000 national and international professionals. The ITF has been rapidly ascending among global tourism fairs, with the ambitious goal of becoming one of the top three fairs in its field worldwide within the next five years.
Volkan Ataman, CEO of Dream Project, expressed his confidence in the fair’s trajectory. “Our fair continues to grow steadily each year. Together, we will make our fair one of the world’s top three largest tourism fairs in five years,” Ataman stated.
Key Features of the Istanbul Tourism Fair
The ITF serves as a crucial platform for networking, collaboration, and showcasing the latest trends and innovations within the tourism sector. Its strategic location in Istanbul, a city bridging continents, further enhances its appeal and potential for global reach.
- Date: September 24-25, 2026
- Venue: Yenikapı-Eurasia Show and Art Center
- Area: 10,000 square meters
- Exhibitors: 345 companies
- Attendees: 17,000 national and international professionals
The fair’s comprehensive program typically includes:
- Exhibitions from various segments of the tourism industry, including hospitality, travel agencies, airlines, and destination management organizations.
- Conferences and seminars featuring industry leaders and experts discussing critical topics such as sustainable tourism, digital transformation, and emerging travel trends.
- B2B meetings and networking events designed to foster new partnerships and business opportunities.
- Cultural performances and presentations showcasing diverse travel experiences.
Impact on the Turkish Tourism Sector
The Istanbul Tourism Fair plays a pivotal role in boosting Turkey’s tourism industry. By attracting a significant number of international professionals and investors, the fair contributes to increased foreign direct investment, job creation, and the overall economic development of the region. It also provides a vital platform for Turkish tourism businesses to expand their global presence and forge new international collaborations.
The fair’s growth trajectory aligns with Turkey’s broader efforts to enhance its position as a leading global tourism destination. The government and private sector continue to invest in infrastructure, promotional activities, and service quality to meet the demands of a growing international tourist base.
Future Outlook
With its consistent growth and ambitious vision, the Istanbul Tourism Fair is well-positioned to achieve its goal of becoming a top-tier global event. The commitment of organizers like Dream Project, coupled with Istanbul’s strategic importance and rich cultural heritage, provides a strong foundation for continued success.
The fair’s future editions are expected to further solidify its reputation as a must-attend event for anyone involved in the global tourism industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for business development, knowledge exchange, and shaping the future of travel.
Source: sabah.com.tr
