Antalya Governor highlights COP31 impact on regional tourism

Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin stated that hosting the COP31 United Nations Climate Change Conference will transform the city's tourism sector after 2027. Speaking at an Antalya Solidarity Group meeting, Şahin emphasized that the event will help transition Antalya from a budget holiday destination to a high-value tourism hub, similar to the shifts seen after EXPO 2016 and the G20 Summit.

A key outcome of COP31 will be the repurposing of the EXPO area into a major center for congresses, fairs, festivals, and meetings. Following the conference in late November, the area is expected to be transferred to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, where a specialized company may be established to operate what would become Turkey's largest fair center.

Şahin noted that the conference is expected to bring approximately 100 heads of state, 1,000 ministers, and over 100,000 delegates to the region. He believes this massive influx of high-level diplomats and professionals will provide significant global exposure for Antalya, helping to extend the tourism season to 12 months through increased focus on winter, conference, and meeting tourism.