Istanbul Tourism Fair 2025 Türkiye's Rising Influence in the Global Tourism Industry

At this year’s ITF (Istanbul Turizm Fuarı), I had the privilege of engaging with many leaders and innovators shaping the future of our industry. Walking through the fair, I was struck by how far Türkiye has come in establishing itself as a strong global player—anchored on quality, resilience, and innovation.

But progress alone is not enough. For tourism to keep evolving, we must ask ourselves: who will carry this vision forward? The answer lies in the new generation. Fresh graduates are entering the workforce with digital fluency, global awareness, and a creativity that can reimagine how we connect with travelers. They are not just the workforce of tomorrow—they must be an active part of the transformation today.

If we are to remain competitive, we must open the doors wider: investing in travel technology, mentoring young professionals, and designing career paths that allow them to grow sustainably. Their energy, combined with the wisdom of experienced leaders, will create the balance that tourism needs in order to adapt—while staying true to our traditions of hospitality.

This blend of fresh ideas and seasoned expertise will allow Türkiye to lead not only in the number of visitors we welcome, but in the quality of experiences we deliver.

And finally, my sincere thanks to Dream Project for creating such a valuable platform. I look forward to returning next year, and to seeing how much further we will have moved together.