An international investor delegation, organized and led by EUTOC Global Vice President Gultekin Yalaz, will visit Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya in November 2026 to evaluate premier investment opportunities, engage with project owners, and collaborate with local authorities and key industry stakeholders.
BRUSSELS — The European Tourism Council (EUTOC) is preparing a comprehensive investment and business development program designed to connect high-potential projects in Turkiye with international investors, financial partners, and strategic business stakeholders.
Spearheaded by Gultekin Yalaz, Global Vice President of EUTOC, the delegation will commence its official program in Istanbul, continue with strategic engagements in Ankara and Izmir, and conclude its meetings in Antalya.
Throughout the itinerary, selected investment projects will be presented directly to international investors. Project owners will have the exclusive opportunity to participate in private business-to-business (B2B) meetings, present their financial models, and explore potential avenues for financing, partnership, and international expansion.
EUTOC places significant emphasis on projects related to tourism destination management, city branding, and sustainable tourism. The Council regards robust cooperation with local authorities as a cornerstone of this program.
Consequently, strategic discussions are scheduled with municipalities, regional development agencies, chambers of commerce, and relevant public institutions across all four cities. Eligible projects developed or supported by local authorities may encompass tourism development zones, mixed-use hospitality investments, convention centers, marina developments, health and sports tourism facilities, and destination transformation initiatives.
Commenting on the initiative, EUTOC Global Vice President Gultekin Yalaz stated:
"Our objective extends beyond simply bringing investors and project owners to the same table. We aim to connect the right project with the right capital, strategic partners, and international networks. Through our comprehensive program in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya, we intend to present Turkiye’s robust investment potential directly to international decision-makers within a highly professional and structured framework."
Emphasizing the vital role of local governance, Yalaz added:
"A destination's ability to attract international investment relies not only on individual projects but also on strategic planning, sound infrastructure, sustainability, effective branding, and strong public-private cooperation. Therefore, we will prioritize projects that contribute to the long-term sustainable development and international positioning of these cities and regions."
EUTOC officially invites project owners, developers, institutions, and local authorities to submit their investment-ready projects for preliminary evaluation. Submissions must feature a clearly defined investment structure, financial model, legal framework, and a realistic implementation plan.
Applications should include an executive summary or investment presentation detailing:
All applications will undergo a rigorous review assessing investment readiness, commercial viability, scalability, and alignment with the strategic profiles of participating investors.