Azerbaijan joins GlobeMeets international tourism event as “Partner Country”
Istanbul, September 10, AZERTAC
The GlobeMeets B2B Networking Event, a major international tourism platform shaping the 2027 tourism season, has commenced in Istanbul, Türkiye. Azerbaijan is represented at this year’s event as the official “Partner Country.”
The event, which aims to generate more than €100 million in tourism turnover, brought together over 3,000 tourism professionals from over 50 countries.
The official opening ceremony was attended by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül; Turkish Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Nadir Alpaslan; Azerbaijan’s Consul General in Istanbul Zamin Aliyev; Director of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board for Türkiye Gunel Mammadova; Regional Director for Türkiye and Azerbaijan at VFS Global Sertan Aslantürk, and officials from relevant Turkish institutions, as well as diplomats from 20 countries and heads of non-governmental organizations.
In their opening remarks, officials from relevant Turkish institutions highlighted the particular importance of Azerbaijan being represented as the “Partner Country.” They noted that Türkiye and Azerbaijan share deep bonds of unity and brotherhood across all areas under the “One nation, two states” concept, with these strong ties also clearly reflected in tourism.
The ceremony highlighted the significance of holding the event in Istanbul, a global tourism hub. Organizers said the event aims to strengthen the city’s role as a major tourism destination and center for international tourism trade and business partnerships.
In her address, Gunel Mammadova, Director of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board for Türkiye, welcomed Azerbaijan’s role as the country partner of “GlobeMeets 2026,” highlighting its importance in expanding tourism ties and B2B cooperation with Türkiye. Mammadova noted that Shusha, designated as the “Tourism Capital” by the Economic Cooperation Organization for 2026, is developing through new tourism investments and experiences. The city has become a vibrant tourism destination through gastronomy, culture and international events while preserving its historical and cultural heritage.
Held for the fourth time under the slogan “A Meeting Place Beyond Borders”, the event targets over 25,000 B2B meetings and €100 million in commercial turnover. Unlike traditional tourism fairs, “GlobeMeets 2026” focuses on direct business meetings to shape the 2027 tourism season and foster international partnerships. Agreements signed and new B2B partnerships established during the event are expected to influence the 2027 tourism strategy and pave the way for new tourism products, destinations and travel routes in international markets. “VFS Global” is the main sponsor of “GlobeMeets 2026,” while the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB) is its main partner.
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