From October 23-25, 2024, Antalya is hosting one of the most significant events in the tourism sector, the Antalya Tourism Fair (ATF). For the first time, this year’s fair will span three days, beginning at the Antalya Expo Center and drawing great attention. ATF24 covers 35,000 square meters, aiming to attract 30,000 professional visitors. The fair will host around 2,000 foreign travel agencies, over 1,000 brands, and 103 expert speakers, offering more than 2,000 minutes of panel sessions.
Selçuk Meral: “A Game-Changing Fair”
In his opening speech, Selçuk Meral, the founder of the Antalya Tourism Fair, emphasized that ATF is the only event bringing together all markets relevant to Turkey under one roof. Meral said, “This year, we are calling it a ‘Game-Changing Fair.’ We have developed a 360-degree fair vision, breaking away from the traditional fair model. ATF has become the largest and most innovative tourism fair in Turkey and the Mediterranean.”
Unity and Solidarity in Tourism
Meral highlighted the spirit of unity and solidarity within the Turkish tourism sector, which was reinforced by the strong interest shown on the first day of the fair. Addressing the attendees, he added, “Every Turkish tourism professional is doing their best for this industry. We, too, are working on the Antalya Tourism Fair with this motivation.”
Key Figures Speak at the Opening
At the opening ceremony, notable figures such as Zafer Aynalı, Secretary General of Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality; Sezgin Yılmaz, Deputy General Manager of İşbank; Davut Günaydın, Vice President of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB); Kaan Kaşif Kavaloğlu, President of the Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers and Investors Association (AKTOB); Fikri Ataoğlu, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Environment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC); and Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin delivered speeches.
Erzurum and Sustainable Tourism
Zafer Aynalı announced that Erzurum will be the tourism capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) countries in 2025. Aynalı stated, “We plan to make all our events sustainable. I wish the Antalya Tourism Fair to be beneficial for the industry.”
İşbank: “Tourism is an Ecosystem”
Sezgin Yılmaz, Deputy General Manager of İşbank, emphasized that the tourism sector directly impacts 54 different industries and creates employment opportunities. He also announced that by 2024, İşbank will allocate $1 billion to the tourism sector over a two-year period.
TÜRSAB: “Travel Agencies Are the Industry’s Bees”
TÜRSAB Vice President Davut Günaydın noted that “80% of tourists visiting Turkey come through travel agencies and tour operators. ATF continues to grow each year,” highlighting the importance of the fair.
The Importance and Future of ATF
Kaan Kaşif Kavaloğlu, President of AKTOB, mentioned that ATF has become a source of pride for Turkey, Antalya, and all tourism stakeholders. Meanwhile, TRNC Minister Fikri Ataoğlu said, “We will do our best to strengthen cooperation between the motherland and the TRNC.” Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin emphasized the significant growth of Turkish tourism and predicted that 2025 would be a record-breaking year.
Meeting Visitors at the Fair
After the opening speeches, the officials toured the fairgrounds. The Antalya Tourism Fair will be open to professional visitors from October 23-25. With a variety of important panels and nearly 1,000 brands, ATF24 is the heart of the tourism industry.
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