TTI İzmir prepares for its 20th year

TTI İzmir – International Tourism Trade Fair and Congress, organized under the hosting of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality in cooperation with İZFAŞ and TÜRSAB, will open its doors for the 20th time at Fuar İzmir between December 2–4. Speaking at the pre-event program organized by İZFAŞ and TÜRSAB, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Dr. Zafer Levent Yıldır said, “The strength of İzmir lies in its people who produce together, share, and believe in the future. This city belongs to all of us, and we believe that we will continue to grow İzmir’s power in tourism together.”

Fuar İzmir will bring together the tourism sector at the 20th TTI İzmir – International Tourism Trade Fair and Congress on December 2–4. As part of the preparations, a meeting with İzmir-based travel agencies was held at the Historical Gas Factory Cultural Center with the participation of Deputy Mayor Dr. Zafer Levent Yıldır, TÜRSAB İzmir Regional Board Chairman Hakkı Karadeveci, TÜRSAB executives Kıvanç Meriç and Şebnem Urgancıoğlu, İZFAŞ General Manager Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Tourism and Fair Commission Chair Seyhan Müşerref Kuralı, fair stakeholders, and sector representatives.

Speaking at the promotional meeting, Yıldır emphasized: “Strengthening İzmir’s position in tourism and transforming this into tangible collaborations is our common goal. This strong partnership plays a crucial role in the development of our fair and in increasing its international visibility. With the participation and support of agencies this year, we believe we will come together at a much stronger fair. The strength of İzmir lies in its people who produce together, share, and believe in the future.”

“Branding, public-private cooperation, and collective intelligence”

Dr. Yıldır also noted that the tourism sector operates in a period of global uncertainty: “The more valuable your work is, the more sensitive it becomes to uncertainty. What you do requires great effort and precision. This process can also be an opportunity to build a stronger structure with all stakeholders. For this, branding, public-private cooperation, and the creation of collective intelligence are essential. In times of crisis, agencies play a critical role in directing and reshaping demand. They are also economic actors capable of reversing negative trends and revitalizing the sector. Therefore, your contribution to regaining momentum in the sector will be more important than ever.”

“If we support each other, we become stronger”

TÜRSAB İzmir Regional Board Chairman Hakkı Karadeveci stated: “As we approach the 20th year of the fair, we can clearly say that this is not just an organization, but a reflection of our collective effort, experience, and production power. İzmir has always been an important center for tourism, but it is you who truly bring this strength to life. Sometimes, the greatest strength comes from being able to sit at the same table. A new era and a changing tourism world lie ahead, but I believe that if we stand together and support each other, we will not only survive but become much stronger.”

“20 years of dedication and effort”

İZFAŞ General Manager Tuğçe Cumalıoğlu said: “This year, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of our fair, which is very valuable for us. It represents 20 years of effort, dedication, and perseverance. The support of valuable sector representatives is crucial not only for İzmir tourism but also for increasing Türkiye’s visibility in the international tourism arena and for growing this fair further. This year, we will continue to strengthen the fair both internationally and digitally. Compared to the previous year, we achieved much stronger results. What matters is not only numbers; fairs are now also perceived globally as experience areas. Therefore, these gatherings are extremely valuable.”

Discount surprise announced at the launch

İZFAŞ Fairs Coordinator Elif Akşahin also shared details about the fair. She stated that preparations for the 20th year are being carried out with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, İzmir Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, and İzmir Chamber of Commerce, along with TÜRSAB İzmir Regional Board, ETİK, İzmir Tourist Guides Chamber, SKAL İzmir Club, and all sector stakeholders.

A special incentive was also announced: participants who complete their payments by August 31 will be able to participate at last year’s square-meter prices. Additionally, domestic fair participation incentives provided to İzmir Chamber of Commerce members will offer significant financial support. Within this scope, the maximum eligible support amount will be 2,500 TL per square meter (excluding VAT), with support rates of 50% for 1–80 m² and 60% for 81–200 m² participations.

Growing every year

The fair continues to grow steadily. In 2025, the number of participants increased by 39%, while the number of international participants rose 2.5 times. Visitor numbers—both domestic and international—grew by over 20%. Participation from agencies, tour operators, airlines, accommodation providers, service companies, technology firms, and DMCs increased by more than 50%, resulting in a net growth of 2,083 square meters in exhibition space. A total of 12,527 professional visitors from 64 countries and 381 participants gathered in İzmir.

This year, the focus will be on destinations with direct flights to İzmir, particularly in Europe, the Balkans, Turkic Republics, and Latin America.