The Turkish Riviera has always been a top destination for both Turkish citizens and foreigners looking for a beach holiday with turquoise blue waters. In 2026, this became particularly true in the span of 8 months, with 10 million visitors to this Mediterranean region.
It was initially projected that Antalya would see 1 million fewer visitors than previous years by the Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers and Operators Association (AKTOB). The 6% decrease in arrivals is potentially in relation to the geopolitical situation of neighbouring markets, yet Antalya remains a top destination for many Russians, Germans and Brits as the region surpasses 10 million visitors.
The number is expected to rise with two major international events set to take place in Antalya, which is expected to be bolstered by the second golf season. The first event is the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) held between October 5th to 9th. This marks the first time the IAC is held in Turkey. Not long after, in November, the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) is going to be held at Antalya’s EXPO Centre. Both events are expected to create a significant influx of visitors before the end of the year.
International Events Set to Extend the Tourist Season
77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC)
Hosting the IAC marks a major milestone in the expansion of Antalya’s reputation beyond just sun and sand. The IAC is expected to bring more than 10,000 participants from various science professions from around the world to discuss the rapidly changing landscape of the space sector. Held in the golf resort capital of the Turkish Riviera, Belek is home to one of Turkey’s largest conference centers for a blend of business and leisure. Attention is sure to be drawn to the area as the programme is set to cover current geopolitical issues concerning AI computing in space, space medicine, commercial space activity and much more.
UN Climate Change Conference – COP31
Set nearly a month after the 77th IAC, Antalya’s EXPO centre hosts the COP31. The president of AKTOB expects a positive impact as a result of the event. This event focuses on sustainable tourism and highlights elements of it in the host region – the first to implement a sustainable tourism program. The EXPO centre is being revitalized into a physical Green Zone to model the future urban planning with exhibitions, events and awareness activities that are open to the public. The event is expected to attract 150,000 visitors, including heads of state and ministers, delegations, observers, media and many others.
City Improvements Benefitting Visitors to Antalya
To manage the high load of visitors for future seasons and the incoming event visitors, Antalya has been targeted for major infrastructural improvements. Most notably for foreigners is the Antalya International Airport. Well underway in phase two, the international terminal has increased capacity, taxiways, and hangars. Completed aspects of this project have been immediately put into service.
A fleet of new Mercedes-Benz buses has been introduced, replacing the old and adding new routes. Direct light-rail routes, new transit lanes and construction of new mega-highways provide a more direct route to key locations like the EXPO centre. The light-rail route extends with a stop directly at the EXPO for the most direct connection.
10 Million Visitors with Space for More
Though the geopolitical situation of Antalya’s neighbours has had some effect on the region’s tourism, the area is still favoured by many, given that 10 million people have visited from January to August 21, 2026. Whilst the region begins to wind down with the arrival of autumn, hosting events like the IAC and COP31 extends the tourism window and adds the draw of science and innovation to the region known for sun, sea and sand. The expansion of the tourism window for Antalya highlights the importance of creating an infrastructure that can handle the current capacity with space to grow, and why the region is seeing many advancements throughout the tourism capital of the Turkish Riviera.
