The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) has welcomed the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) as its newest Destination Partner, further strengthening IAPCO’s global meetings industry network.
The partnership marks a significant step in Türkiye’s international MICE strategy, connecting the destination directly with IAPCO’s global network of accredited Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs), industry leaders and decision-makers.
As destinations compete globally for high-value international meetings and congresses, collaboration between convention bureaux and IAPCO Accredited PCOs has become increasingly important in shaping successful bids, enhancing participant experience and delivering long-term economic and knowledge legacy.
Reflecting on the partnership, Sissi Lignou, President of IAPCO said: “Türkiye has demonstated strong momentum and ambitition within the global meetings industry, supported by ongoing investment in infrastructure, accessibility and international engagement.
“This partnership is a valuable addition to the IAPCO Destination Partner community, and we look forward to strengthening collaboration with TGA and Türkiye’s wider business events ecosystem.”
With state-of-the-art infrastructure, strong international connectivity and a rapidly growing reputation for hosting major congresses and association meetings, Türkiye continues to strengthen its position as a leading global meetings destination.
According to International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) 2024 data provided by TGA, Istanbul ranked eighth worldwide among cities hosting medical and healthcare congresses, highlighting its strong academic infrastructure and role as a regional knowledge hub.
Dr. Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu, Deputy General Manager of TGA, said: “TGA becoming an IAPCO Destination Partner represents an important milestone in our international growth strategy and reflects the rising power of Türkiye in the global MICE sector.
“This partnership provides an important opportunity to directly showcase Türkiye’s unique blend of accessibility, world-class inrastructure, hospitality and cultural richness to a global network of event decision-makers. Through closer collaboration with IAPCO and its members, we aim to further strengthen Türkiye’s competitiveness and visibility within the international meetings landscape.”
The partnership will also support greater collaboration across advocacy, sustainability and professional excellence initiatives, reinforcing Türkiye’s role in the continued advancement of the global meetings industry.
As part of its long-term MICE strategy, TGA has launched “MeetingInTürkiye”, a dedicated digial platform under the MeetTürkiye brand. The plaform provides international organisers with integrated congress support, destination insights and access to Türkiye’s meeting and event capabilities.
ABOUT TÜRKİYE TOURISM PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Established on July 15, 2019, the Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) aim to position Türkiye as a global tourism destination. Operating under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the TGA seeks to promote the country's natural, cultural, and historical assets, increase tourism investments, and improve service quality at national and international levels through strategic marketing and communication efforts.
The Turkish Tourism Association (TGA), which is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by the Minister of Culture and Tourism, conducts its oversight and operations through an Executive Board chaired by the Deputy Minister responsible for Promotion.
With a team of experienced professionals in local and international tourism, TGA is committed to strengthening Türkiye's global position, increasing visitor numbers and tourism revenue, attracting investment opportunities, and supporting sustainable tourism growth.