Organized under the corporate sponsorship of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Turkey, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Turkish Airlines, in partnership with the Turkish Hoteliers Federation (TÜROFED) and the Turkish Tourism Investors Association (TTYD) and with the main sponsorship of Türkiye İş Bankası, EMITT – Eastern Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel Fair started this year with a magnificent opening with the participation of state officials, country representatives and leading names of the sector.

The 28th EMITT, where important destinations of Turkey and many countries around the world were introduced, hosted 5 invited tour operators and 7 influencers, as well as thousands of participants and visitors from a total of 2025 countries, including the USA, Germany, England, Russia, France, South Africa, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, between February 78-666, 5.

Among the world's five largest tourism fairs, the EMITT East Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel Fair hosted 3 participants from 39 countries, including Bulgaria, Japan, Azerbaijan, Northern Cyprus, Georgia, Egypt, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Seychelles, Cuba, Malta, Nepal, Iran, Azerbaijan, Italy, Venezuela, Panama and Korea, and hosted a total of 656 visitors, 2.906 of whom were international.

EMITT Fair, which hosted international visitors at 12% of the total number, reached the highest international visitor rate in its 28-year history. Visitor density at the fair increased by 15% compared to the previous year.

“Redefining Tourism: Bold Steps for a Sustainable Future” Underlining that the 28th EMITT Fair, held under the theme of EMITT Fair Director Hacer Aydın“EMITT Fair, as an event where the heart of the tourism sector beats, was flooded with visitors this year as well. We ensured that high-level state officials, brands that lead the sector, tour operators, agencies and many professionals came together around the same table. We shared our predictions for the tourism sector for 2025 and beyond and focused on solution suggestions. We hosted a total of 109 visitors and 23 participants from 725 countries. In order for participants to benefit more and have more productive meetings at EMITT, which offers new purchasing, business development, new business and cooperation opportunities in the international arena, with the B656B appointment system developed, all our participants had the opportunity to meet with more than 2 invited tour operators from 78 countries by making appointments in advance. Participants, on the other hand, received great interest especially at their stands on the first day. We anticipate that a business volume of nearly 666 million Euros will be achieved this year with the cooperation opportunities we offer at EMITT, which acts as a bridge connecting Turkey to the world tourism market.”

The Future of the Tourism Sector was Discussed on the EMITT Conference Stage

With its comprehensive conference and event program, EMITT has become a platform of information, inspiration and networking for its participants and visitors. The EMITT Event Program, which opened its doors to the sector for the 28th time this year, aims to enable the sector to create action plans for the solutions to the problems that negatively affect the tourism sector in 2025. “Redefining” Many inspiring events that will enrich the fair experience were brought together with the audience and “Positive Tourism” vision was addressed.

On the first day of the fair, where thousands of holiday consumers interested in new and exciting travel opportunities offered by holiday destinations and travel companies from all over the world were hosted, the official opening ceremony was held on the conference stage after which the sector's 2024 assessment was made and 2025 predictions were discussed. The challenges faced in the tourism sector and the bold steps that need to be taken to overcome these challenges were also discussed. In addition, global trend reports were shared and the future period projection was presented in the Presidents' Session, which has become a tradition and attracts great attention.

The last event of the opening day “Brave Steps for Tourism: Municipalities Initiating Transformation” in the session mayors, ““Smart Cities and Smart Destinations: Tourism Infrastructure of the Future”, “From Local to Global: Branding Destination Stories” ve “Travel Experiences Redefined Through Innovation” addressed the issues.

The 2nd day of the fair program, “From Stone Hills to the World: Geography at the Heart of Cultural Heritage”, “Quiet Luxury and Sustainable Accommodation: Modern Hotel Management Approaches” ve “The Path to Positive Tourism with Destination Leaders" The topics were discussed by sector representatives.  The panels discussed how industry players can collaborate to create a more resilient tourism model.

On the last day of the fair program,“Creative Growth in Tourism with the Power of Influencers and Artificial Intelligence”, “What If Artificial Intelligence Goes on Vacation?” ve “Tourism 5.0: Experiences Are Evolving!” topics were discussed. Speakers shared good examples and strategies on how technology, sustainability, alternative tourism and artificial intelligence approaches can be applied. Interactive discussions were designed where the audience could develop new ideas and find creative solutions.

Source: HORECA TREND and Emitt

EMITT – Eastern Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel Fair, one of the most important meetings of the global tourism sector and held between February 5-7, hosted sector representatives from all over the world in Istanbul this year. Participating in the fair with the aim of strengthening tourism cooperation between Türkiye and Spain, Mr. Gonzalo Ceballos, Tourism Counselor of Spain, made important contacts within the scope of the event and evaluated the tourism mobility between the two countries.

Ceballos, who met with TÜRSAB President Firuz Bağlıkaya at the fair, stated that tourism activity between Turkey and Spain has increased every year. Ceballos said that after the pandemic, Turkish tourists' interest in Spain has revived and even exceeded pre-pandemic levels. He stated that the number of Turkish tourists visiting Spain in 2024 exceeded 600.000, and this figure was 2023 in 340.000. Spanish airports have hosted more than 2024 million passengers arriving from Turkey on direct flights as of 1.

Great Impetus for Tourism with New Flight Routes…

Ceballos emphasized that the increase in direct flights between the two countries has greatly contributed to tourism. As of 2024, the new flight routes have been put into operation as follows:

• Pegasus Airlines launched the Istanbul-Seville route and operates five flights per week.

• Vueling operates three flights per week between Istanbul and Barcelona.

• Air Europa will make its flights from Istanbul to Madrid daily from four per week as of July.

Thanks to new airline connections, it is expected that tourism will become more active and cultural and economic ties between the two countries will be strengthened.

Condolence and Support Message from Ceballos to Hatay…

Following his evaluations, Ceballos visited the Hatay stand at the fair and shared his condolences and solidarity message with the Hatay Mayor on the second anniversary of the earthquake.

Spain's Sustainable Tourism Vision…

On the second day of the EMITT Fair, Gonzalo Ceballos, Spain’s Tourism Counselor, participated in a panel on tourism and sustainability. In his speech, he emphasized that Spain’s sustainable tourism strategies contribute greatly not only to the country’s economy, but also to employment, local development and family economies:

“The sustainable tourism strategies in place in Spain have a positive impact not only on our national economy, but also on employment, local and family economies. The ‘Fair Hotels’ initiative, carried out in collaboration with trade unions, and the mechanisms that support local destinations to offer a more sustainable experience are of great importance.”

Returning to Istanbul with the Mayor of Seville!

Mr. Ceballos will be in Istanbul again with the Mayor of Seville on February 25-26. He will participate in events to promote Pegasus Airlines' Seville-Istanbul route.

Spain is delighted to welcome Turkish tourists and aims to further develop these strong tourism ties in 2025.

Source: HORECA TREND and EMITT– East Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel Fair

Kütahya Porcelain introduced its newest and award-winning collections to the participants at FSUMMIT 1, held at Antalya NEST Congress Center on February 2-2025.

Evaluating the event, Kütahya Porselen Executive Board Member Dr. Tanzer Polat Yılmaz said, “FSUMMIT 2025 was an important event where innovative approaches in the gastronomy sector were shared. As Kütahya Porselen, we were pleased to bring our innovative and award-winning collections together with industry professionals. Our collections, which reflect the perfect harmony of design and functionality, attracted great interest from participants. This interest is an indication that our vision, which brings technology and aesthetics together, is appreciated by the sector.”

Award-Winning Designs Come Together at FSUMMIT 2025!

At FSUMMIT 2025, which was organized with the theme of 'Diversity in Tourism and Gastronomy Sector' this year, Kütahya Porcelain showed its difference with the diversity of its designs. In addition to the Aura, Stone, Wellington, Moodline and Soho collections, it welcomed its visitors with other innovative designs that added a new dimension to the dining experience. Kütahya Porcelain, which perfectly blends aesthetics and functionality, was highly appreciated.

Kütahya Porcelain attracted attention at the fair with its Aura Verde Collection, which won the Bronze Award in the 'Food & Beverage/Tableware' category at the International Design Awards (IDA) 2024, one of the world's most prestigious design competitions, and its Mood Line, Stone and Wellington collections, which were deemed worthy of the Honorary Award.

The Meeting of Design and Art: Aura

Produced with the reactive glaze technique, Aura offers a visual feast with its colors in the Ice Blue and Verde series. Offering an ideal platform for chefs to showcase their creativity, Aura Verde highlights dishes with its sophisticated and simple design. The peaceful tones of Ice Blue are ideal for chefs seeking minimalism.

Perfect Harmony of Aesthetics and Functionality: Mood Line
With its minimalist lines and elegant relief details, Mood Line adds an aesthetic touch to presentations. It creates a natural and sophisticated atmosphere with its khaki color.

Perfect Harmony of Naturalness and Elegance: Stone

Inspired by the unique texture of natural stones, Stone offers both a visual and tactile experience with its organic texture reminiscent of stone surfaces. Stone Herbal offers a sophisticated aesthetic with its natural shades of khaki green; while Mocarlo perfectly fits into the elegant atmosphere of upper segment restaurants.

Both Original and Functional: Wellington

With its innovative design, Wellington is a collection that is both original and functional.

A Different Story in Every Piece: Soho

Inspired by the unique color transitions of nature, Soho adds an artistic touch to every table. Produced with the reactive glaze technique, each piece of Soho reflects a unique and natural appearance. With its unique colors in the Ice Blue and Midnight Blue series, it transforms presentations into works of art.

Source: HORECA TREND and FSummit