Istanbul Tourism Fair Achieves Prestigious International Status Ahead of 2026 Edition
The Istanbul Tourism Fair (ITF) has officially reached a major milestone, securing international fair status as it prepares for its fourth edition. This recognition marks a pivotal shift for the event, which has rapidly evolved into a cornerstone of the global tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) calendar since its inception by Dream Project in 2023.
Founded in 2007, Dream Project has long been a driving force in Türkiye’s tourism sector, known for orchestrating industry pillars such as the ACE of M.I.C.E. Exhibition and the ACE of M.I.C.E. Awards. With the introduction of the Istanbul Tourism Fair, the organization aimed to create a robust platform to foster unity, stimulate market growth, and set the standard for professional excellence in travel. The fair’s meteoric rise since its launch is reflected in its year-over-year expansion, consistently attracting a wider demographic of global industry leaders.
The fair’s trajectory has been nothing short of impressive. In its inaugural 2023 event, ITF hosted 13,500 professionals and 200 exhibitors. By the time the second edition concluded in October 2024 at the Yenikapı–Eurasia Show and Art Center, the event had grown to accommodate over 15,000 professionals and 150 industry speakers, who shared insights across 29 distinct topics during the Tourism and Gastro Travel Summits.
Most recently, the momentum continued with the latest gathering on September 25–26. The exhibition saw a significant surge in engagement, drawing 314 exhibitors and 16,500 industry professionals. A vital component of this success was the high-level professional hosted buyer program, which saw 450 international buyers from 50 countries—spanning from the Americas to Japan, and Africa to the Baltics—conduct 7,500 B2B meetings. These interactions have been instrumental in introducing new products and services to leading travel agencies and tour operators, effectively shaping the roadmap for global tourism in 2026.
As the industry looks ahead, the upcoming 4th edition, scheduled for September 24–25, 2026, carries the weight of its new international accreditation. This formal recognition validates the fair’s role as a bridge between diverse markets and confirms its status as an essential meeting point for the travel trade.
Beyond the B2B negotiations and trade summits, the fair continues to emphasize the importance of industry solidarity. Through networking nights—such as the highly acclaimed gala at Swissotel The Bosphorus—and a commitment to elevating quality standards, Dream Project ensures that the International Istanbul Tourism Fair remains at the forefront of global travel trends. With its newfound international designation, the event is well-positioned to further bolster Türkiye’s influence in the global tourism landscape, driving both economic growth and cross-border collaboration for years to come.
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