Türkiye targets 2026 growth as Global MICE hub
İstanbul Galataport
According to ICCA 2025 data, Istanbul recorded a 10% increase, while Türkiye saw a 16% increase compared to 2024 in the number of international congresses held in 2025.
Türkiye is accelerating its positioning as a Tier-1 MICE destination, leveraging a 16% year-on-year increase in international congresses to anchor its 2026 strategy.
Positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the country combines a strategic geographic advantage with convention infrastructure, extensive air connectivity, a strong safety record, and premium hospitality. Enhanced by inspiring networking environments, solid sustainability credentials, and rich leisure offerings rooted in its natural and cultural heritage, Türkiye continues to present a compelling setting for high-profile international meetings and events.
Demonstrating its ability to deliver at the highest international level, Türkiye will host some of the world’s most prominent global gatherings in 2026. Leading the calendar are two landmark summits of global significance: the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), to be held in Antalya from November 9–20, and the NATO Summit, scheduled for July 7–8 in the capital, Ankara. Bringing together senior representatives and policymakers from across the globe, these meetings will serve as important platforms for dialogue on future-oriented global issues, while underlining Türkiye’s strategic relevance, robust infrastructure, and proven expertise in delivering complex, large-scale international events.
In parallel, Türkiye continues to strengthen its position in sports tourism by hosting a diverse range of international sporting events. Alongside the UEFA Europa League Final in İstanbul, the country’s sports calendar spans football, cycling, golf, sailing, and endurance sports.
The country also actively collaborates with leading organisations shaping the MICE sector, including the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers (IAPCO). Through these strategic partnerships, Türkiye continuously works to enhance its global brand recognition, foster new collaborations, and attract prestigious international congresses and events to the country.
According to ICCA 2025 data, Istanbul recorded a 10% increase, while Türkiye saw a 16% increase compared to 2024 in the number of international congresses held in 2025.
In 2026, İstanbul continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for international meetings and congresses. This year, the city is set to host two major medical congresses, one of which will take place in the city for the second time. Scheduled for June and September respectively, these two large-scale events will bring an estimated 13,500 participants to İstanbul, further reinforcing the city’s global standing in the MICE sector.
Antalya stands out as both Türkiye’s tourism capital and one of its leading MICE destinations. The city offers an more than 300 five-star hotels, over 175,000 convention seats, and a proven track record of hosting high-profile international events such as the G20 Summit. Antalya combines state-of-the-art meeting facilities with world-renowned Mediterranean beaches, Blue Flag coastlines, championship golf courses, and award-winning spas, creating an ideal environment for conferences, incentives, and bleisure travel.
While İstanbul and Antalya remain Türkiye’s two leading destinations for MICE tourism, many other cities across the country also offer outstanding capabilities for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. Bodrum emerges as the luxury incentive capital. İzmir positions itself as the Aegean’s business and lifestyle hub. Cappadocia delivers a boutique incentive experience.
