Turkey’s Exhibition Sector Generates 15.2 Billion Euro Economic Impact

Ender Öztürk

October 12, 2026

A comprehensive report released by Oxford Economics in collaboration with the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) highlights the significant role of the Turkish exhibition sector in the national economy for 2025. During the year, a total of 456 exhibitions were hosted across the country, attracting 19.8 million visitors and serving 65,000 participating companies. These events generated 7.5 billion euros in direct spending, which resulted in a substantial 15.2 billion euro total economic output. By acting as a major catalyst for trade and tourism, the industry contributed 8 billion euros to Turkey’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and created employment opportunities for more than 135,000 people.

Every Euro Spent Multiplies Economic Value

The 2025 data reveals that 3.33 million square meters of exhibition space were utilized throughout Turkey. This infrastructure allowed domestic and international buyers to engage directly with thousands of companies. The 7.5 billion euros in direct spending covers diverse areas such as international travel, hotel accommodations, professional logistics, event management, and advanced technical infrastructure. Because of this high level of activity, the sector functions as a vital engine for the broader Turkish economy, ensuring that each euro invested produces twice its value in total output.

The impact of these events extends far beyond the exhibition halls themselves. Numerous connected industries, ranging from private security and financial services to retail and digital solutions, benefit from the sustained flow of trade. While the direct contribution to the GDP stands at 4 billion euros, the inclusion of indirect effects doubles this figure to 8 billion euros, underscoring the strategic necessity of maintaining a robust trade fair infrastructure.

Major Cities Lead Economic Growth

An analysis of the regional distribution shows that while large metropolitan areas remain the primary hubs for global trade, Anatolian cities are demonstrating remarkable growth. Istanbul maintains its position as the undisputed leader, generating 8.76 billion euros in total output. Following the national financial hub, cities such as İzmir with 1.30 billion euros and Antalya with 0.84 billion euros continue to attract significant international interest. Ankara, Konya, Bursa, and Kayseri also report impressive figures, proving that the exhibition culture is successfully spreading across the Anatolian landscape.

Exhibitions Serve as Strategic Bridges for Trade

TFYD Chairman and Tüyap Fuarlar Yapım A.Ş. General Manager İlhan Ersözlü emphasized that exhibitions function as critical intersection points for international commerce and export goals. He noted that these platforms provide essential access to new markets, enabling Turkish businesses to expand their reach. The rising momentum in Anatolian cities is particularly noteworthy, as it suggests a more balanced regional development model powered by professional event management.

Looking toward the future, the sector aims to strengthen its existing infrastructure and implement new support mechanisms to attract a higher volume of international buyers. These initiatives are expected to increase Turkey’s share in the global trade market significantly. By prioritizing modern exhibition facilities and enhancing promotional efforts, the country is well-positioned to maintain its current trajectory of economic expansion through the trade fair industry.

How do you think the expansion of exhibition centers in Anatolian cities will influence the future of local manufacturing and export growth? Please share your thoughts and professional insights in the comments section below.