Report: EMITT 2026 and Türkiyes Outbound Travel Market

We just finished our attendance at EMITT 2026 event. The venue has been changed from the past years and the decision was right to move to new location from the former fair centre of Istanbul. Here is the report of this event and general look about Türkiyes outbound market.

1. EMITT 2026 – General Overview

EMITT 2026 (East Mediterranean International Tourism & Travel Exhibition) concluded yesterday and can be considered successful with a positive overall outcome. The event once again confirmed its role as one of the most important tourism trade fairs in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

The fair attracted a large number of professional buyers, including:

• Turkish travel agencies and tour operators
• Outbound tour operators
• Media representatives
• and also consumers (the last day only)

A significant number of buyers from the Eastern Mediterranean, the Arabian Peninsula, and former CIS countries (ex-USSR markets). This international buyer mix strengthens EMITT’s position not only as a Turkish market platform but also as a regional B2B meeting point.

2. Buyers and Meetings

A wide range of buyers were present at the fair. In addition to domestic Turkish buyers, many decision-makers from:

• Gulf countries
• Middle Eastern markets
• Central Asia and Caucasus region
• Eastern Europe and former CIS countries

were actively seeking new destinations, products, and partnerships.

The event used a digital pre-meeting application for scheduling appointments in advance. While the system worked technically, not all buyers used it. As the platform is still relatively new, it clearly requires additional promotion and user guidance to improve adoption and effectiveness in future editions. Many meetings were still arranged spontaneously on-site, which remains an important part of EMITT’s networking culture.

3. Relevance for Nordic and Baltic Destinations

Interest in Northern Europe, the Nordics, and the Baltic countries continues to exist, particularly among:

• Higher-end tour operators
• Tailor-made and special-interest travel agencies
• MICE and incentive-focused buyers

However, it is important to note that Turkish citizens require a Schengen visa to travel to Nordic countries and Baltic countries

Visa availability, processing times, and approval rates remain a key challenge and directly affect outbound demand, especially for leisure travel.

4. Turkish Outbound Travel Market – Current Situation
Economic Context

Turkey’s current economic situation is characterized by:

• High inflation
• Weak Turkish lira
• Increased cost of living

These factors have significantly reduced the purchasing power of the general population and directly impact outbound travel volumes.

Who Can Travel Abroad?

Despite economic pressure, outbound travel continues among specific segments:

• Upper-middle and high-income individuals
• Business owners, exporters, and professionals earning in foreign currency
• Corporate travelers and MICE groups
• Affluent families prioritizing international travel
• Younger professionals focused on experiences rather than mass tourism

Outbound travel is increasingly polarized: while mass outbound tourism is limited, premium, niche, and experience-based travel remains active.

5. Outlook and Conclusions

EMITT 2026 delivered positive results and strong professional engagement. There were in estimate 24 000 participants (visitors and exhibitors).

The fair continues to attract a broad regional buyer base beyond Turkey itself.

Digital appointment systems are a step forward but still need improved awareness and adoption.

Visa requirements remain a critical barrier for Turkish outbound travel to Schengen countries.

Despite economic challenges, there is still a clear outbound market, particularly in higher-value segments.

Overall, EMITT 2026 confirmed that Türkiye remains a strategically important outbound market, especially for destinations offering quality, unique experiences, and well-structured cooperation with professional tour operators.