The Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) has joined the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) as its newest Destination Partner, strengthening its presence within the global meetings and business events industry.
The partnership connects Türkiye directly with IAPCO’s international network of accredited Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs), industry leaders, and decision-makers, supporting the country’s strategy to attract more international meetings, congresses, and business events.
As destinations continue to compete for high-value global events, closer collaboration between convention bureaux and professional congress organisers has become increasingly important in delivering successful bids, enhancing delegate experiences, and creating lasting economic and knowledge legacies.
Reflecting on the partnership, Sissi Lignou, President of IAPCO, said, “Türkiye has demonstrated strong momentum and ambition 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.”
Türkiye has continued to strengthen its position as a leading meetings destination with modern infrastructure, strong international connectivity, and an expanding portfolio of global congresses and association meetings. According to International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) 2024 data provided by TGA, Istanbul ranked eighth globally among cities hosting medical and healthcare congresses, highlighting its growing stature 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 infrastructure, 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 collaboration on advocacy, sustainability, and professional excellence initiatives while reinforcing Türkiye’s role in advancing the global meetings industry.
As part of its long-term MICE strategy, TGA has also launched MeetingInTürkiye, a dedicated digital platform under the MeetTürkiye brand, offering international organisers access to destination insights, integrated congress support, and information on Türkiye’s meetings and events capabilities.
