Antalya to Host Three Major Global Events in Autumn
Recep Yavuz, Head of the Tourism Working Group of the Antalya City Council, stated that the tourism season has been overshadowed by wars, and despite all challenges, it will not end much differently from previous years. He noted that the most significant development for Antalya will occur towards the end of the season. Yavuz highlighted that between October 5 and November 20, Antalya will host three major global events over a six-week period: "October 5-9 International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), October 26-28 Antalya Tourism Fair (ATF), November 9-20 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31). The common feature of these three events is that they will bring Antalya to the world stage not only as an all-inclusive holiday destination but also as a center for science, technology, environment and sustainability, tourism, and global diplomacy," he said.
SPACE WORLD'S FOCUS TURNS TO ANTALYA
Yavuz noted that IAC 2026 is considered the Olympics of the space sector, saying, "Leading space agencies like NASA, ESA, JAXA, ISRO, and technology giants such as SpaceX, Boeing, Airbus, and Blue Origin will meet in Antalya. After Paris, Washington, Dubai, Milan, and Sydney, the fact that the space world's focus is turning to Antalya is a significant development in itself. Today, space technologies are not just about rockets and astronauts. They are at the center of many strategic areas, from artificial intelligence to communication, climate observation to defense industry. The fact that Antalya will host the world's most distinguished scientists, engineers, investors, and technology companies carries a prestige far beyond tourism. For the first time, Antalya will be mentioned among the world's space capitals," he said.
ATF IS NOW A BRAND
Yavuz explained that ATF, which started modestly in 2019, has quickly become one of the strongest tourism gatherings in the Mediterranean. "Last year, the fair hosted over 40,000 visitors along with industry representatives from over 100 countries; it brings together all stakeholders of tourism in Antalya, from tour operators to airlines, hotel chains to cruise companies. Today, ATF is not just a fair; it is an important showcase of Antalya's international strength in tourism," he said.
THE WORLD'S EYES WILL BE ON COP31
Yavuz stated that COP31, one of the most notable events of the year, is considered the world's most important climate and sustainability platform. "Decisions regarding global warming, carbon emissions, renewable energy, climate finance, and environmental policies are shaped here. In previous conferences, the Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Kyoto in 1997. The Paris Climate Agreement was signed in 2015. The Glasgow Climate Pact was formed in 2021. A loss and damage fund was established in Sharm El Sheikh in 2022. Historic decisions to move away from fossil fuels were made in Dubai in 2023. Now, all eyes will be on Antalya," he said.
80,000 PARTICIPANTS FROM 200 COUNTRIES
Yavuz stated that during COP31, which will take place from November 9 to 20, representatives from approximately 200 countries and over 80,000 visitors are expected to come to Antalya. "Heads of state, ministers, international organizations, financial institutions, universities, research centers, and environmental organizations will be in Antalya for two weeks. Perhaps some decisions emerging from this summit will be remembered as the 'Antalya Declaration' or 'Antalya Decisions' years later," he said.
ANTALYA ON THE WORLD STAGE WITH A DIFFERENT VISION
Yavuz stated that a total of 150,000 people are expected to participate in these three events, emphasizing that the important aspect is not the number but the profile of people such as scientists, investors, state representatives, technology companies, media organizations, and international decision-makers. He said that the contributions these events will provide to Antalya and Turkey are also quite significant, listing them as follows:
"Making Antalya's potential in congress, fair, and scientific tourism more visible. Increasing its international promotional power. Extending the tourism season until the end of November. Providing additional income for hotels during the autumn period. Serving as a reference for new congress and fair organizations. Making a significant contribution to the city economy and tradesmen. Increasing awareness of Turkish tourism on environmental and sustainability issues. Highlighting Antalya with a different identity in the world public opinion. For this reason, autumn 2026 may not only be the end of a tourism season for Antalya but also the beginning of a new era. Perhaps we will witness the first steps of the transformation we have been talking about for years. We should see this opportunity beyond political debates or daily disputes and embrace it together. Because in front of Antalya, there is not just a few congresses, but an opportunity to write a new story."
