The 29th East Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel Exhibition shifts to a more central hub, hosting 656 exhibitors from 109 countries this February.
As the global tourism industry prepares for the 2026 season, the East Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel Exhibition (EMITT) is set to open its doors with a significant strategic evolution. For 28 years, EMITT has been a cornerstone of the sector’s roadmap; however, its 29th edition marks a milestone with a move to a new venue: the Istanbul Expo Center (IFM).
Scheduled to take place from February 5–7, 2026, the exhibition is organized by ICA Events in partnership with the Turkish Hoteliers Federation (TÜROFED). This relocation to IFM is designed to offer a more accessible, centralized, and operationally efficient experience for both domestic and international attendees.
Unprecedented International Scale The 2026 edition stands out with impressive figures that underscore its global authority. The event is expected to feature:
- 656 Exhibiting Companies: Showcasing everything from luxury hotel chains to niche outdoor destinations.
- 109 Participating Countries: Representing a diverse array of global tourism boards and travel providers.
- 660+ Hosted Buyers: High-potential tour operators from across the globe invited to engage in targeted B2B networking.
Previous editions welcomed nearly 30,000 professionals, and with the shift to the more centrally located Istanbul Expo Center, organizers aim to expand this professional network even further. The new venue provides a modern infrastructure to showcase country pavilions, health tourism, gastronomy, and the rapidly growing outdoor travel segment.
Beyond a Trade Show: A Strategic Hub Under the guidance of ICA Events’ extensive portfolio, EMITT 2026 is evolving from a traditional exhibition into a Global Trade Center. It serves as a central platform where the latest tourism trends—ranging from winter sports and eco-tourism to hotel equipment and digital agency solutions—are discussed and debated.
“The 29th year is not just about a change of scenery; it’s about aligning all stakeholders toward a common strategic goal,” industry experts noted. The fair continues to be a vital meeting point where thousands of holiday consumers discover new routes, while professionals forge high-volume partnerships that will shape the 2026-2027 travel seasons.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable and Innovative Travel EMITT 2026 will place a heavy emphasis on sustainability and innovation. With dedicated sections for Health Tourism and Branding of Cities, the fair aims to provide attendees with the tools to adapt to changing traveler behaviors and the digital transformation of the hospitality sector.
The official opening ceremony is set for February 5, 2026, at the Wow Istanbul Hotel, marking the beginning of three days of intensive business development that will define Türkiye’s global tourism power in the coming year.
Citations & References
- EMITT Official Site: “About EMITT 2026: 29th East Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel Exhibition.” (Access: January 2026).
- ICA Events: 2026 Exhibition Calendar and Venue Change Announcement for Istanbul Expo Center (IFM).
- TÜROFED (Turkish Hoteliers Federation): Annual report on tourism fair collaborations and sector growth targets for 2026.
- Anadolu Agency (AA): “EMITT 2026’da hedef 100’den fazla ülke ve rekor katılımcı” (Reported December 2025).
