Istanbul: The GlobeMeets B2B Networking Event, a significant international tourism platform, has kicked off in Istanbul, Trkiye, with Azerbaijan participating as this year’s official ‘Partner Country.’ The event is poised to shape the 2027 tourism season by facilitating connections among more than 3,000 tourism professionals from over 50 countries, aiming for a tourism turnover exceeding £100 million.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the event’s official opening ceremony was graced by prominent figures, including Istanbul Governor Davut Gl; Turkish Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Nadir Alpaslan; Azerbaijan’s Consul General in Istanbul Zamin Aliyev; Director of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board for Trkiye Gunel Mammadova; and Regional Director for Trkiye and Azerbaijan at VFS Global Sertan Aslantrk, alongside officials from relevant Turkish institutions, diplomats from 20 countries, and heads of non-governmental organizations.
During the opening remarks, Turkish officials underscored the significance of Azerbaijan’s involvement as the ‘Partner Country,’ emphasizing the profound unity and brotherhood shared by Trkiye and Azerbaijan under the ‘One nation, two states’ concept. This bond is prominently mirrored in the tourism sector, enhancing mutual ties and cooperation.
The choice of Istanbul as the venue for this event highlights its status as a major global tourism hub. Organizers aim to reinforce the city’s position as a leading tourism destination and a focal point for international tourism trade and business partnerships.
Gunel Mammadova, Director of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board for Trkiye, expressed enthusiasm for Azerbaijan’s role as the country partner of ‘GlobeMeets 2026,’ underscoring its crucial role in enhancing tourism ties and B2B collaborations with Trkiye. She highlighted Shusha’s development as the ‘Tourism Capital’ for 2026, through new tourism investments and experiences, enriching its appeal as a vibrant destination known for gastronomy, culture, and international events, while preserving its historical and cultural legacy.
Now in its fourth edition under the slogan ‘A Meeting Place Beyond Borders,’ the event aims to facilitate over 25,000 B2B meetings, targeting £100 million in commercial turnover. Unlike conventional tourism fairs, ‘GlobeMeets 2026’ places emphasis on direct business engagements to influence the 2027 tourism season and foster international partnerships. The agreements and partnerships formed during the event are expected to impact the 2027 tourism strategy, introducing new tourism products, destinations, and travel routes to international markets. ‘VFS Global’ serves as the main sponsor, with the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB) as the main partner.