İTO President Avdagiç Speaks at the TÜROB General Assembly

Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO) President Mr. Şekib Avdagiç attended the 25th Ordinary General Assembly Meeting of the Association of Turkish Hoteliers (TÜROB), held at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, and made important statements

Thanks from President Avdagiç to TÜROB President Eresin

Beginning his remarks by emphasizing the highly productive cooperation between the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and TUGEV with TÜROB, İTO President Avdagiç thanked TÜROB President Müberra Eresin and the members of the TÜROB Board. He emphasized that cooperation with TÜROB would continue and grow in the period ahead.

Tourism Is a Strategic Area for Istanbul's Brand Value

Noting that every area that would increase Istanbul's brand value falls within the chamber's areas of interest, he emphasized that tourism comes first among these areas. Recalling that the first tourism-related organization in Istanbul was the industrial fair held in 1863, President Avdagiç said that this event was a historical indicator of how tourism and commerce are intertwined. "As İTO, together with the Tourism Development and Education Foundation (TUGEV) and the Istanbul Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB), we continue our work as a reflection of this historical responsibility," he said.

Special Emphasis on Congress Tourism

Underlining the contribution of congress tourism to Istanbul's economy, Avdagiç said, "Visitors who attend congress tourism spend at least 4 to 5 times more than other tourists. This means more revenue for our city." 

Stating that TUGEV and ICVB represent Istanbul in the global tourism and congress market, Avdagiç said that these organizations are carrying out active work to increase Istanbul's market share and to make the sector more high-quality.

Istanbul's Strengths and Goals

Avdagiç noted that, according to research conducted, Istanbul has significant advantages over its competitors in terms of meeting venues, quality hotel capacity, and international accessibility. Stating that, according to data from the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Istanbul ranks 16th in Europe and 21st in the world, Avdagiç said, "Our goal is to move Istanbul into the top 10 cities as soon as possible."

15 International Congresses Will Take Place in Istanbul in 2025

Reporting that, as of 2024, 88 international congresses had been held in Istanbul with the direct and indirect contribution of the ICVB, Avdagiç said, "In 2025, the 15 congresses we are supporting will be realized in Istanbul. Our work for 2026 and beyond is also ongoing."

He also stated that, with the Istanbul Tourism Index Project, which was launched last year and is nearing completion this year, tourism data in Istanbul would be analyzed in a more high-quality and realistic manner.

In Istanbul Tourism, the Cheapest Service Is "Hotel Overnight Rates"

Noting that hotel room rates remain low as the cheapest service in Istanbul tourism, Avdagiç said that prices in this area should be brought to a more reasonable level. He also stated that the spending levels of tourists coming to Istanbul are below expectations, and that complaints about taxi services and food-and-beverage prices should be taken into account.

Avdagiç concluded his remarks by saying, "Together with the ministries, the governor's office, local governments, chambers, tourism organizations, and NGOs—above all TÜROB—we must devote more time and energy than ever to efforts that will increase Istanbul's appeal."