Turkey Shifts Gears in Sports Tourism: Major Fair Preparations in Antalya

Major Sports Tourism Gathering in Antalya Turkey is making a strategic move to promote its sports tourism potential on a global scale.
Europe's largest sports tourism fair, scheduled to take place in Antalya from May 31 to June 3, will bring together sports professionals and organizers from around the world.
Nida Kiraz, President of the Turkish Sports Tourism Association, emphasized that this organization, covering 12 different branches, is a critical step in introducing the country's modern facility infrastructure to the world.
Economic Contribution and Employment Sustainability Sports tourism maintains economic activity during the winter months, traditionally known as the "off-season" in the sector.
Kiraz stated that thanks to developments in the sector, hotels continue to operate during the winter period, extending staff employment from 6 months to 12 months.
The intense athlete traffic, particularly in December, January, and February, contributes directly to the national economy.
While the share of sports tourism in the global tourism market is around 10%, this rate currently stands at 1.5% in Turkey.
Comprehensive projects are being carried out with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Antalya Governor's Office to increase this share.
The fair aims to showcase Turkey's international competitiveness not only in football but also in branches such as cycling, golf, and winter sports.
Regional Infrastructure and Future Vision Promotional efforts are not limited to Antalya but focus on facilities across Turkey.
Plans include putting winter sports centers in Erzurum, the velodrome in Konya, Olympic facilities in Samsun, and ski centers in Erciyes and Uludağ on the routes of international athletes.
With the increasing demand for cycling tourism, the impact of prestigious organizations like the Tour of Antalya and Gran Fondo is expected to grow by 2026, while high occupancy rates in golf tourism paint a strong picture for the sector's future.