The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced that the 2025 Annual Summit will be held in Istanbul, Turkey. The summit, scheduled for March 2025, will bring together tourism leaders from around the world to discuss the future of the industry in a city that blends history, culture, and modernity. Turkey’s commitment to sustainable tourism and its growing popularity as a destination will be highlighted at the event.
The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus is hosting renowned Surinamese chef Soenil Bahadoer for a special culinary event in November. Chef Bahadoer, known for his work at the two Michelin-starred Lindehof, will bring his unique blend of Surinamese flavors and French techniques to the hotel’s acclaimed AQUA restaurant.
The Peninsula Istanbul, a luxurious hotel located on the Bosphorus, has been recognized as a rising star in the global luxury hotel scene by winning the prestigious ‘One To Watch’ award. This award highlights the hotel’s potential to be included in The World’s 50 Best Hotels list in the future.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, during the grand opening of Rixos Tersane Istanbul, highlighted Istanbul’s burgeoning reputation as a global tourism hub. He attributed its appeal to its rich history, cultural diversity, and strategic location bridging East and West. The event also showcased Turkey’s commitment to promoting tourism through infrastructure development, cultural preservation, and enhanced security, further solidifying Istanbul’s place as a premier destination.
Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines is adding a new route to its network, connecting Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport with Seville Airport in Spain. This new route, launching in September, will offer flights twice weekly and marks a significant expansion for the airline.
Istanbul continues to be a top destination for international travelers, with over 8.5 million visitors in the first half of 2024, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. June saw a slight increase in tourist arrivals, with 1.64 million foreign visitors, signifying Istanbul’s enduring popularity.
With the Paris Olympics showcasing a commitment to sustainability and utilizing existing infrastructure, the race for the 2036 Summer Games is heating up. Cities and countries are vying for the coveted hosting rights, each boasting unique strengths and strategies to impress the International Olympic Committee (IOC). From Istanbul’s historical setting and India’s ambitious project backed by the Ambani family to Qatar’s proven track record and Indonesia’s burgeoning economy, the competition is fierce.
Turkish Airlines has launched daily flights between Istanbul and Turin, adding to its already extensive global network. The new route marks the airline’s ninth presence in Italy and strengthens its commitment to providing seamless travel experiences to destinations worldwide.
Istanbul, a city bridging Europe and Asia, has become a haven for travelers thanks to its visa-free policy for citizens of numerous countries. This ease of entry has significantly boosted tourism, business travel, and film production, making Istanbul a sought-after destination for leisure, corporate events, and cultural experiences.
Uzakrota Global 2024, recognized as one of the top ten most influential tourism events globally, is scheduled to take place on November 15th at the WOW Convention Center in Istanbul. The event will bring together key players from the travel industry, including top travel agencies, tourism technology firms, airlines, and hotels. Attendees can expect insightful discussions on topics such as global events and experiences, the role of AI in travel, and the impact of online reviews on hospitality businesses.
