The Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) has become the latest member of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) Destination Partner network, a move designed to sharpen the country's competitive edge in the global Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) arena.
By linking directly with IAPCO's roster of Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs), TGA gains access to a curated network of specialists who manage high-profile international congresses. This collaboration is part of a broader push by Türkiye to position itself as a premier destination for business events, leveraging its modern convention centres, improved airlift, and strong academic credentials.
Strategic Alignment with Global PCOs
IAPCO President Sissi Lignou noted that Türkiye has shown "strong momentum and ambition within the global meetings industry, supported by ongoing investment in infrastructure, accessibility and international engagement." The partnership will focus on advocacy, sustainability, and professional excellence, aligning with IAPCO's standards for event delivery.
Dr. Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu, Deputy General Manager of TGA, described the membership as "an important milestone in our international growth strategy and reflects the rising power of Türkiye in the global MICE sector." She emphasised that the collaboration will help Turkish convention bureaux and venues compete more effectively for association congresses and corporate events.
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Türkiye's infrastructure investments have already yielded measurable results. According to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Istanbul ranked eighth globally for hosting medical and healthcare congresses, underscoring the city's academic strength and regional influence. Istanbul Airport, operated by İGA, now serves over 300 destinations worldwide, while Turkish Airlines continues to expand its network, including recent additions such as direct flights to Hanoi and Amsterdam that enhance connectivity for delegates.
Beyond Istanbul, cities like Antalya, Ankara, and İzmir are investing in convention facilities and hotel capacity. The country's hotel sector has seen openings from international brands such as Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and Mandarin Oriental, providing the high-end accommodation required for premium MICE events. The recent launch of Four Seasons at Triple Bay in Saudi Arabia's AMAALA development signals a regional trend toward luxury integrated resorts that can host incentive groups.
Digital Platform for Congress Support
As part of its strategy, TGA has launched "MeetingInTürkiye," a digital platform offering congress support and destination insights to international organisers. The platform provides tools for venue selection, logistics planning, and cultural programming, aiming to simplify the bid process for PCOs considering Türkiye for their next event.
The MICE sector is increasingly reliant on such digital solutions to streamline planning and reduce friction for organisers. Similar platforms have been adopted by convention bureaux in Singapore, Dubai, and Barcelona, and Türkiye's entry into this space signals its commitment to competing at the highest level.
For travel professionals—whether airline executives, hoteliers, or tour operators—this partnership signals a concerted effort to grow Türkiye's share of the lucrative meetings market. With ICCA data showing steady growth in association meetings across the Middle East and Europe, Türkiye's geographic position as a bridge between continents gives it a unique advantage for attracting international delegates.
The collaboration also aligns with broader trends in the MICE industry, where sustainability and professional excellence are becoming key differentiators. IAPCO's focus on these areas will help Türkiye develop best practices that appeal to environmentally conscious organisers and corporate clients.
