ATF25, SKAL International meets with world leaders

This year, the Antalya International Tourism Fair ( ATF ) is forging a strong partnership with SKAL International, one of the most important global tourism networks. ATF25 , a visionary gathering in tourism, will host world leaders under the umbrella of SKAL International , highlighting the importance of global friendships and inter-market connections.

ATF25 , which will be held for the 7th time at the Antalya International Fair Center , will welcome visitors from October 22–23–24, 2025, with Türkiye İş Bankası as the main sponsor and Kilit Hospitality Group as the main partner. With over 40,000 professional visitors from over 70 countries and over 1,000 tourism brands, ATF25 is leading the way in raising awareness in the sector with its theme of "Sustainable Hospitality."

Global leaders in Antalya

The session, titled “ Global Markets, Shared Future – Global Connections in Tourism with Skal World Leaders, ” will be moderated by former SKAL World President Salih Çene . Participants will include SKAL International World President Denise Scrafton ( Australia ); SKAL International Vice President and 2026 World President-Elect Andres Hayes ( USA ); Finance Director and 2026 Vice President Mohan NSN (India); and former SKAL International World Presidents Hülya Aslantaş and Salih Çene .

Issues shaping the future of tourism

This special session, taking place at ATF25, will explore how tourism professionals can carry on the mission of making the world a better place; the advantages and challenges of working in diverse markets; examples of solidarity that emerged after the pandemic; the importance of ties with friendly countries in expanding into new markets; and the contributions of collaborations under the SKAL umbrella to the sector. It will also discuss strategies for sustainable and lasting international relations and the market connections that will fuel the future of tourism.

Special invitation for SKAL members

As part of this collaboration, all SKAL members operating worldwide have been invited to ATF25 . This meeting, taking place in Antalya, will bring together SKAL's global network in Turkey, providing members with the opportunity to develop new collaborations, stay up-to-date on sectoral innovations, and connect directly with international tourism professionals.

In this context, ATF25 will host a global meeting that will attract the attention of tourism professionals not only in Türkiye but all over the world.

SKAL Antalya President Uğursal Uğur emphasized the importance of this collaboration and said:

The International Antalya Tourism Fair has proven itself to be Turkey's largest meeting point for the tourism sector. As SKAL, we congratulate ATF Founder Selçuk Meral on this journey and continue our ongoing collaboration. ATF25 will be attended by SKAL Turkey Federation President Emre Gezgin , the Board of Directors, all our SKAL club presidents, and over 500 SKAL members. I believe it will be a panel discussion where we address important topics and gain diverse perspectives. See you at ATF25.

Powerful innovations in ATF25

This year, ATF is generating added value through its innovations and the responsibility of its leading position in the sector. The ATF SHE scholarship program, launched under the theme of "Sustainable Hospitality," the Start-Up Island, which provides opportunities for young entrepreneurs, and the Tourism Design Awards , which recognize design and innovation in tourism, will serve as meeting points where inspiring ideas gain global visibility. This year, the ATF25 Workshops, organized under the motto "Education is Essential," will also add value to the sector with interactive training aimed at developing the knowledge, skills, and vision of tourism professionals.

The opening ceremony of ATF25 will be hosted by national athlete and presenter Çağla Kubat . Kubat will also host the "Pioneers of Turkish Hospitality" honorary ceremony, which honors local leaders who have played a leading role in the development of Turkish tourism, in line with this year's theme.

The third day of ATF25 will feature speeches from prominent figures from the worlds of art and science. State Theaters General Director Tamer Karadağlı (October 24, 11:00 AM) will discuss the ways art intersects with tourism. Economist Prof. Dr. Emre Alkin will assess the economic dynamics of tourism at 1:00 PM. At 3:00 PM, Prof. Dr. Sinan Canan will shed light on the future of tourism from a human behavior and brain science perspective.

Increasing its international prestige with the support of the Ministry of Trade, UFI membership, and collaborations with SKAL International, ATF25 offers a multifaceted experience by bringing together art, economy, science, and sports on the same platform.