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Speaker ABOUT THE PANEL: Russia, with its vast geography, rich cultural heritage, historical cities, natural beauty, and diverse travel experiences, possesses significant potential in the global tourism market. The wide variety of destinations, ranging from world-renowned cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg to the Black Sea coast, unexplored routes in the Far East, and winter tourism centers, allows Russia to shape a new era in tourism. However, changing travel habits, the expectations of new-generation tourists, the search for alternative destinations, and digital transformation necessitate a reassessment of Russia's tourism strategies. “How can Russia's rich culture, unique geography, and undiscovered routes transform into a new generation experience economy in global tourism?” DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● How can Russia's strong city brands, such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as its new and undiscovered destinations, be highlighted in the international tourism market? ● In line with the changing tourist profile and new-generation travel trends, how can Russia attract higher-spending and experience-oriented tourists? ● How can a more holistic destination marketing strategy be created that brings together Russia's diverse tourism products such as culture, nature, winter, gastronomy, and adventure tourism? ● How can the seasonal tourism potential in different regions of Russia be utilized in line with the goal of 12-month tourism? ● How can digitalization, artificial intelligence, and smart destination applications transform Russia's tourist experience and destination competitiveness? ● Within the framework of a sustainable tourism approach, how can a balance be struck between increased visitor mobility and the protection of natural resources, cultural heritage, and local communities?
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Speaker ABOUT THE PANEL: Tourism cities across different geographies of the world are on the cusp of a new era, driven by changing travel habits, increasing global competition, technological transformation, and a sustainability agenda. Cities at the heart of the tourism economy are now competing not only with visitor numbers but also with the experiences they offer, quality of life, brand value, investment capacity, and sustainable growth models. **ATF Tourism Cities Summit 2026** brings together visionaries, local administrators, industry leaders, and destination experts from the world's leading tourism cities to discuss cities' global brand strategies, smart city applications, infrastructure investments, 12-month tourism goals, and adaptation processes to changing tourist profiles. The summit explores, from various perspectives, how cities can increase their competitiveness in tourism while balancing local people, the environment, investment, and visitor experience. The question posed is: “How will the tourism cities of the future design not just more visitors, but stronger experiences, sustainable growth, and global value?” DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● How can future tourism cities enhance their brand value and differentiation in global destination competition? ● What new strategies should tourism cities develop to attract high-spending, experience-oriented, and longer-staying visitors? ● How can the cultural, gastronomic, sports, event, and business tourism potentials of cities be used more effectively to break seasonality and extend tourism throughout the year? ● How are smart city and digital tourism applications transforming visitor experience, city management, and destination marketing? ● How can infrastructure, the environment, natural resources, and the quality of life of local people be protected in the face of increasing visitor density? ● How can a balance be struck between tourism investments and the sustainable economic and social development of cities? ● How can tourism cities transform into future destinations by following global trends while preserving their local identities and unique characteristics?
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Guest ABOUT THE PANEL: Turkey, with its unique and diverse destinations, is one of the strongest players in the global tourism market. From coastal destinations that are the capital of global resort tourism to cultural heritage centers with unique historical textures and emerging alternative nature routes, Türkiye's showcase cities play a critical role in international travel flows. However, increasing global competition, changing consumer trends, and sustainability pressures necessitate the development of new strategies for destinations. This session brings together visionaries, local administrators, and destination experts from Türkiye's world-renowned tourism cities to discuss the cities' global brand journeys, infrastructure strategies, 12-month tourism goals, and how they adapt to changing tourist profiles. DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● How can Türkiye's showcase cities increase their brand value in competition with global tourism destinations? ● What opportunities await our destinations in the transition from mass tourism to a profile of high-spending, high-quality tourists? ● How can local dynamics be more effectively mobilized to break seasonality and extend tourism throughout the year? ● How can a more integrated and mutually reinforcing marketing strategy be established among resort, cultural, and nature tourism centers? ● Sustainability in tourism: How will the balance between infrastructure, the environment, and the local population be maintained in the face of increasing visitor density? ● Where do Türkiye's showcase cities stand in the context of technological transformation and the "smart tourism cities" vision?
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Guest ABOUT THE PANEL: Artificial intelligence is reshaping the entire travel journey in the industry, from the moment of inspiration to the purchase decision and the post-sales experience. For travel agencies and tour operators, AI offers significant opportunities with personalized recommendations, faster sales processes, data-driven customer analysis, and next-generation communication channels, while also redefining the role of travel consultancy. The "Future of Travel Sales in the Age of AI" session with Setur & Holiday Heroes addresses the transformation of travel sales, the impact of AI on customer behavior and sales teams, and how human-technology collaboration will shape the future of the industry. "Will AI only accelerate travel sales, or will it fundamentally change the way customers make travel decisions?" DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● How is AI changing customer travel search, discovery, and purchase behavior? ● How can AI-powered personalization and recommendation systems transform the customer experience in travel sales? ● How will AI redefine the role of travel consultants and sales teams? ● How to strike the right balance between automation and human touch? ● How can AI-powered data analysis help travel companies offer the right product to the right customer at the right time? ● How will the future sales model be shaped between next-generation digital sales channels and traditional travel agencies? ● How should issues of trust, data privacy, and transparency be managed as AI becomes more widespread in the travel industry? ● What kind of model will emerge in the future of travel sales where human expertise and AI work together?
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Speaker ABOUT THE PANEL: Sustainability in the hotel industry is no longer just an environmental responsibility; it's becoming a fundamental element of cost management, operational efficiency, and long-term competitiveness. From energy and water consumption to waste management, from reducing carbon footprint to adhering to international sustainability standards, green hotel practices create both environmental and economic value for hotels. The STR Panel — Green Hotel Management: From Sustainability to Measurable Savings session brings together sustainability experts, hotel managers, and technology leaders to discuss how environmentally friendly practices are not just a goal, but a business strategy that can be measured with data and translated into savings. “If sustainability isn't just about protecting the planet, how can it be the new key to measurable savings and profitability for hotels?” DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: How can green hotel practices deliver tangible savings in energy, water, and operating costs? How should the return on sustainability investments (ROI) be measured for hotels? What data should be used to manage and report carbon footprint, energy efficiency, and resource consumption? How do guests' expectations for sustainable accommodations affect their hotel choices and brand loyalty? What opportunities do smart building technologies and digital solutions offer to accelerate the green transformation? Why are international sustainability certifications and ESG criteria becoming increasingly important for hotel investments and competitiveness? How can the hotels of the future integrate environmental responsibility with commercial performance in the same strategy?
ABOUT THE PANEL: In global tourism, demand is rapidly increasing for travel focused on experiences, stories, and discovery, moving beyond the traditional sea-sand-sun triangle. Anatolia, with its rich history spanning thousands of years of civilizations, unique centers of faith, and UNESCO-registered culinary delights, has the potential to be at the very heart of this new generation of travel trends. This session brings together representatives from cities in Türkiye that stand out for their historical heritage, religious routes, and gastronomic richness, as well as cultural tourism experts. The panel will comprehensively address how local culture, intangible heritage, and traces of deep-rooted civilizations can be transformed into a sustainable tourism economy, how cultural routes can be branded in the international market, and the multiplier effect of gastronomy in destination marketing. “How can Anatolia’s thousands of years of heritage and flavors become the new driving force of the modern tourism economy?” DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● How can historical heritage and cultural riches move beyond the concept of "museum cities" that only need preservation and be integrated into living tourism economies? ● What global opportunities does the new generation tourism trend, focused on experience and storytelling, offer for Anatolia's cultural routes? ● Can gastronomy tourism alone carry the international brand identity and appeal of a destination? ● How should the delicate balance between the preservation of cultural heritage (authenticity) and the commercialization of tourism be achieved? ● What common stories should unite these special cities, which have served as capitals for different civilizations, when conducting international PR and marketing? ● How do the spending habits of cultural and gastronomic tourists differ from those of resort tourists, and what kind of infrastructure investments are needed to attract this group?
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Guest ABOUT THE PANEL: Today's evolving travel trends center around escaping crowds, connecting with nature, and experiencing the local lifestyle of the visited region as it is. From the high plateaus of the Black Sea to the ecotourism centers of the Aegean, from the hidden valleys of Anatolia to its unique local festivals, Turkey offers an immense wealth of alternative tourism routes. This session brings together the architects of Türkiye's new generation tourism routes, which stand out with ecotourism, nature sports, local agricultural/gastronomy experiences, and authentic living culture. The panel will discuss how to integrate these regions, which have not yet fully entered the radar of mass tourism, into tourism without disrupting their natural and socio-cultural fabric, sustainable ecotourism strategies, and how alternative routes can be transformed into strong brands in the international market. “Beyond classic routes: How will the 'untouched' and authentic Anatolian experience sought by the new generation of travelers be branded?' DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● What kind of promotional language should be designed to attract the new generation of travelers, tired of mass tourism, to Türkiye's alternative nature and lifestyle routes? ● What measures should local governments and investors take to manage the pressure that increasing interest will create on the ecosystem and to ensure "sustainable ecotourism"? ● How will the balance between commercialization and "preserving authenticity" be struck when transforming regional festivals, harvest seasons (tea, olive, grape harvest) and local craft culture into tourism products? ● How can the infrastructure and accommodation needs (glamping, boutique hotels, ecological facilities) arising in new tourism routes be solved with nature-friendly architecture? ● Can the global "Slow Travel" and "Slow City" (Cittaslow) movements offer a lasting development model for these unique destinations? ● Should these alternative routes be positioned as independent competitors to Türkiye's main resort and cultural tourism packages, or as "complementary side products"?
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Speaker ABOUT THE PANEL: Türkiye's global success in tourism is shaped not only by its strong coastal destinations but also by routes nourished by the immense historical, cultural, and religious heritage that extends deep into Anatolia. From Amasya's rich history of princes to Tokat's diverse culinary and craft culture, from Sivas's Seljuk heritage and thermal springs to Mersin's gateway to the Mediterranean in terms of faith and logistics, this line holds the potential for a unique "Anatolian Cultural Corridor" for Turkey. This integrated approach, blending coastal tourism with the cultural richness of inland regions, is of strategic importance for the dissemination of tourism to the grassroots and the sustainability of local development. This special session brings together the mayors, the visionary architects of this corridor, to discuss intercity cooperation models, the role of local governments in destination branding, alternative tourism investments, and how to present the cultural heritage of Central Anatolia to the international market. DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: • How can an integrated tourism route created along the Amasya, Tokat, Sivas, and Mersin axis play a role in increasing Türkiye's share of global cultural tourism? • How can cooperation models such as intercity joint marketing, digital tourism infrastructure, and trade fair participation partnerships be implemented at the local government level? • How can Mersin's strong coastal and religious tourism potential in the Mediterranean be packaged in a way that complements the historical and gastronomic richness of Central Anatolia? • In the face of increasing interest in cultural tourism, how will the local architectural fabric, craft culture, and intangible cultural heritage be preserved while maintaining a balance with the local population? • What are the priority strategies of municipalities to increase the contribution of the cultural corridor project to local businesses, agro-tourism activities, women's cooperatives, and youth employment? • How can thematic routes and smart city solutions connecting the transportation networks of the cities facilitate the experience of domestic and foreign tourists visiting this corridor?
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Guest ABOUT THE PANEL: The hotel industry, with its increasing competition, changing guest expectations, rising operating costs, digitalization, and new investment models, needs a new growth approach that goes beyond simply maintaining operations. Today, success for hotels requires managing many different dynamics simultaneously, including occupancy rates, correct pricing, revenue management, brand value, guest loyalty, employee productivity, and sustainable profitability. The session, "Managing Isn't Enough: The New Rules of Growth in Hospitality," brings together hotel managers, investors, and industry professionals to discuss ways to grow in a changing competitive environment, next-generation business models, and the strategies needed for sustainable success in the hotel industry. "Keeping a hotel afloat is one thing, building a sustainable growth model that will carry it into the future is another; so what are the new rules of the game?" DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● Which management strategies stand out for sustainable growth and profitability in today's hotel industry? ● How can hotels maintain a balance between efficiency and service quality in the face of rising operating costs? ● How are revenue management, dynamic pricing, and data analytics transforming hotel performance and profitability? ● How should hotels redesign their brand value and differentiation strategies while responding to changing guest expectations? ● What opportunities do technology and artificial intelligence offer to reduce costs and increase efficiency in hotel operations? ● How should next-generation hotel career and work models be created in the face of human resource challenges and changing employee expectations? ● How can growth targets in hotel investments be balanced with long-term sustainability, environmental responsibility, and destination needs?
Speaker ABOUT THE PANEL: The global and regional tourism industry frequently faces periods of uncertainty triggered by economic fluctuations, geopolitical shifts, and changing consumer expectations. For Türkiye’s tourism leaders, overcoming these challenges requires more than just adaptation; it demands strong leadership, resilience, and strategic foresight. How do senior executives maintain operational excellence and premium quality during times of crisis? What strategies are being implemented to secure the future of Türkiye’s resort and hospitality investments? How do industry leaders strike a balance between short-term shocks and long-term growth? This session brings together the visionaries behind the country’s most successful hotel brands and investments to discuss their leadership strategies during times of uncertainty and how they are shaping the future of the industry. DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: • What are the most pressing uncertainties currently facing the Turkish and global tourism sector? • How are you adapting your investment and growth strategies in a volatile market? • How can the A+ accommodation segment maintain its competitive advantage and service quality under economic pressures? • What are the most key lessons learned from recent sectoral crises?
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Speaker ABOUT THE PANEL: The digital transformation of the tourism sector brings with it a broad innovation ecosystem, ranging from artificial intelligence and automation to guest experience, revenue management, data technologies, and sustainability solutions. ATF26 Startup Hub brings together startups that develop solutions to the diverse needs of the tourism sector from a technology and entrepreneurship perspective, facilitating the meeting of innovative ideas with industry professionals. This session examines the solutions developed by tourism technology startups operating in different fields, how they approach the problems faced by the sector, and how they can create measurable value for tourism businesses. In this session, where different topics such as artificial intelligence, automation, data, guest experience, revenue management, distribution, operational efficiency, and sustainability will come together on the same stage, the connection between technology startups and the real needs of the tourism sector will be revealed through the "Innovation Meets Industry" approach. "What real problem in the sector is the technology that will change the future of tourism solving today?" DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● What problem in the tourism sector does your startup solve, and why do you consider this problem important? ● What aspects of a tourism business's daily operations does your technology or solution make easier, faster, or more efficient? ● How can the measurable value your solution creates for tourism businesses be demonstrated? ● What processes in the tourism sector do artificial intelligence, automation, and data technologies have the potential to transform? ● How can the adaptability of technologies developed by startups be ensured for different tourism stakeholders such as hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, and DMCs? ● How should businesses strike a balance between "being innovative" and "solving a real need" when making technology purchasing decisions in the tourism sector?
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Speaker ABOUT THE PANEL: Europe remains a cornerstone of global holiday tourism, but the landscape of the continent's outbound tourism market is changing. With economic pressures, evolving consumer booking habits, and the rapid rise of dynamic packing, what does the future hold for European travel? Will the upcoming seasons bring stability, explosive growth, or market stagnation? The distribution giants driving the industry—leading tour operators, travel groups, and bed banks—are at the heart of this transformation. This panel brings together the biggest players controlling the flow of European tourists to discuss how they are adapting their strategies, managing capacity, and driving demand. DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: • Stability, growth, or stagnation: Which trend best defines the current European outbound tourism market? • How are distribution giants shaping their demand forecasts for the upcoming summer season? • How is dynamic packing changing the traditional tour operator model? • What strategies are being used to combat inflation and rising costs for the end consumer? • How are early booking trends changing across different European source markets (UK, Germany, Eastern Europe)? • What do European tour operators expect from destination and hotel partners to ensure mutual growth? "Who will lead the European distribution network in the new era of travel?""
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Speaker ABOUT THE PANEL: The global travel and hospitality industry is undergoing a radical transformation driven by digitalization, artificial intelligence, changing consumer behavior, and new distribution channels. The traditional structure of travel distribution is being reshaped, from how hotels and hospitality brands reach their guests to booking processes, pricing, and personalized experiences. The Hospitality Intelligence: The New Architecture of Global Travel Distribution session brings together hotels, online travel platforms, technology companies, distribution experts, and industry leaders to discuss the new architecture of global travel distribution, the role of artificial intelligence in the industry, direct sales strategies, and the evolving customer journey. “How will artificial intelligence and next-generation distribution technologies redesign the entire customer journey, from travel discovery to booking?” DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● How are artificial intelligence and next-generation digital distribution channels changing how hotels reach and book guests? ● How will the future distribution balance be shaped between OTAs, metasearch platforms, direct booking channels, and new digital players? ● What strategies should hotels develop to strengthen direct sales and guest loyalty in the face of rising distribution costs? ● What new opportunities does AI-powered personalization offer the industry in connecting the right guest with the right experience at the right time? ● How are big data, automation, and predictive technologies transforming pricing, inventory, and revenue management? ● How will collaboration between hotel brands, technology companies, and distribution platforms be redefined in the future travel ecosystem?
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Speaker ABOUT THE PANEL: As the tourism sector rapidly transforms with artificial intelligence, big data, automation, digital payment systems, smart hotel technologies, and next-generation travel platforms, this transformation is also expanding investment opportunities in tourism technologies. In this era where traditional tourism models are being redesigned with technology, investors are looking not only for innovative ideas but also for scalable, sustainable ventures that offer solutions to a real problem in the sector. This session brings together investment trends in the tourism technology ecosystem, the criteria investors look for in ventures, and the technology areas that will shape the future of travel experience, thus examining new investment opportunities between the world of tourism and entrepreneurship. “What kind of problem should a technology startup that will change the future of tourism solve, and how should it get on investors' radar?” DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● Which technology areas and venture models are attracting the most interest from investors in tourism technologies today? ● What criteria must a tourism technology startup meet in terms of scalability, technology, revenue model, and market potential to receive investment? ● In which areas are the new investment opportunities created by artificial intelligence, big data, and automation in the tourism sector concentrated? ● Why are B2B tourism technologies, which offer solutions to real problems for hotels, travel agencies, and destinations, becoming increasingly important? ● How is the expectation of rapid growth in tourism startups balanced with the operational realities of the sector from the perspective of investors? ● What opportunity areas stand out for entrepreneurs and investors in Türkiye's tourism technology ecosystem? ● What needs will investable technology startups that will shape the future of the tourism sector address?
ABOUT THE PANEL: Poised to be one of ATF26's most dynamic sessions, this panel brings together the industry's most powerful players to discuss the rising dynamics of Egyptian tourism, stretching from the Red Sea to the world, new regional investments, and global market strategies. In the "Face to Face: Destination Egypt" panel, leaders shaping Egypt's tourism vision will take the stage in direct, unconventional, and highly focused one-on-one sessions. Through a series of 10-minute Q&A sessions, industry leaders will evaluate the future of the Egyptian market, capacity increases in holiday tourism, commercial partnerships, and the latest trends in market competitiveness. DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: • Global Positioning: How would you define the new era of Egyptian tourism on the global stage, and what makes it unique right now? • Investment Climate: What are the most critical factors driving the current wave of mega-resort and luxury hotel investments in the Red Sea region? • Market Competitiveness: How does Destination Egypt differentiate itself from other major Mediterranean and global holiday destinations? • Quantity vs. Quality: With the rapid increase in bed capacity across the country, what is the strategy for maintaining high service quality and premium guest satisfaction? • B2B and Commercial Growth: How are commercial partnerships, tour operator agreements, and B2B collaborations evolving to support this massive growth in tourism volume? • Emerging Source Markets: Beyond traditional European and CIS markets, which new global geographies offer the greatest opportunities for Egyptian destinations? • Aviation and Accessibility: How is aviation expansion and direct flight accessibility playing a role in unlocking Egypt's full commercial potential? • Changing Consumer Trends: What evolving traveler expectations and demands are currently redefining the premium resort and holiday experience in Egypt? • Sustainability: How is the sector balancing this rapid infrastructure expansion with sustainable tourism practices and environmental protection? • Looking to the Future: Looking ahead five years, what will be the most significant milestone achieved by the Egyptian tourism sector?
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Guest ABOUT THE PANEL: For decades, price competition has been one of the biggest drivers for Turkish tourism. However, with rising operational costs, inflation, and a changing global economy, competing solely on price is no longer sustainable; nor is it the target strategy for the future. The sector needs to change course. If we can't (and shouldn't) be the cheapest option, how can we justify higher pricing? The answer lies in service quality, brand prestige, sustainability, destination marketing, and aviation connections. This critical panel brings together leaders of Türkiye's most influential tourism NGOs, major airlines, and key tour operators to discuss strategies for shifting from selling "price" to selling "value, experience, and premium quality." DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: • How can we effectively transform the perception of Turkey from a "cheap destination" to a "high-value, premium destination"? • With rising hotel and operating costs, what strategies are airlines and tour operators using to maintain capacity and demand? • How can sectoral associations (AKTOB, TÜROFED, TÜRSAB, etc.) join forces to reposition Türkiye's global brand image? • What is the role of aviation and direct flights in attracting less price-sensitive, high-income tourists? • How can we ensure that the quality of service offered justifies the increasing price tags in the European and global markets? • What is the "next big move" for destinations that have lost their absolute price advantage?
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Speaker ABOUT THE PANEL: Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more than just a new technology in the hospitality industry; it's transforming the way the sector operates, from sales and revenue management to operations and guest experience. AI is creating new opportunities in areas such as automating booking processes, demand and price forecasting, personalized guest experiences, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making, making it increasingly important for hotels to understand how and where to utilize this technology. The TECHNOPARK: What is AI Really Changing in the Hospitality Industry? session brings together technology experts, hotel managers, and industry professionals to discuss which processes AI is truly changing in the hospitality industry, in which areas it is creating tangible value, and how it will shape the future of hotel operations. “Is AI truly changing the rules of the game in the hospitality industry, or is it just a new tool that makes existing processes faster?” DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● In which processes is AI making a tangible and measurable difference in the hospitality industry today? ● How can AI transform hotel performance in revenue management, pricing, and demand forecasting? ● What new opportunities do AI-powered systems offer for personalizing the guest experience? ● How should the balance between automation and human touch be struck in bookings, customer service, and operations? ● How can processing the large amount of data hotels possess with AI lead to more accurate business decisions? ● How will the roles and required skills of hotel employees change with the widespread adoption of AI? ● How should hotels distinguish between “owning the technology” and “solving a real business problem” when investing in AI?
ABOUT THE PANEL: The Turkish tourism sector is entering a new period of growth with increasing travel demand, intensifying competition, and rapidly changing guest expectations. However, many hotels continue to manage revenue management, marketing, technology, and distribution processes independently, which can lead to the underutilization of commercial opportunities and disconnects in the guest experience. The session, "From Silos to Synergy: How Connected Commercial Strategies Drive Better Revenue for Hotels," addresses how hotels can overcome traditional boundaries between different departments and create connected commercial strategies that encompass the entire travel journey, from guest acquisition and direct bookings to distribution strategies and increasing total revenue. Instead of focusing solely on technology, the session focuses on how the collaboration of people, processes, and decisions can strengthen hotels' commercial performance and sustainable revenue growth. "When revenue, marketing, technology, and distribution move towards the same goal, how much can the true commercial potential of hotels grow?" DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● How do departmental boundaries between revenue management, marketing, technology, and distribution teams affect hotels' commercial performance? ● How can a connected business strategy be created that enables different teams to work towards the same business goal? ● How can a more holistic guest experience be designed throughout the entire journey, from guest acquisition to booking? ● How can hotels establish a balanced strategy with OTAs and other distribution channels while increasing direct bookings? ● What opportunities does the collaboration of people, processes, and technology create in terms of revenue growth and operational efficiency? ● How can data-driven and cross-departmental collaborative decision-making mechanisms improve revenue management and business performance? ● How can hotels focus not only on room revenue but also on the total business value throughout the entire guest journey in the future?
ABOUT THE DEMODAY – TECHNOPARK PANEL: New generation startups emerging at the intersection of tourism and technology are bringing innovative solutions that shape the future of the sector. DEMODAY – TECHNOPARK brings together young startups, technology teams, investors, and industry professionals who develop solutions to the real needs of the tourism sector from a technology and entrepreneurship perspective. In this special session, where startups directly present their products and technologies on stage, innovative ideas developed in different fields, from artificial intelligence to smart hotel technologies, from travel experience to sustainability solutions, will shed light on the future of the sector. “If the ideas that will change the future of tourism were to emerge today, which technology would become the industry standard of tomorrow?” DEMODAY FOCUS TOPICS: ● Next-generation solutions developed with technology to real problems in the tourism sector ● Applications of artificial intelligence and automation in tourism businesses ● Innovative technology initiatives in hotel, travel, and destination management ● Smart and scalable solutions developed for sustainable tourism ● Startups presenting their products, technologies, and business models to industry professionals ● Investment and scaling opportunities in tourism technologies ● Establishing new collaborations between industry professionals and technology startups
ABOUT THE PANEL: In the tourism sector, growth isn't just about attracting more visitors; it's about understanding new guest profiles that haven't been sufficiently reached yet and developing products that meet their travel motivations. Changing income groups, new generation consumer behaviors, rising travel demand from different geographies, and expectations for personalized experiences are creating new opportunities for destinations and tourism businesses. This session analyzes potential passenger groups that the tourism sector hasn't yet sufficiently reached, new guest profiles with high spending capacity, and their expectations; and explores ways to reach the right market with the right product and the right communication. “Who are the passengers we haven't yet discovered, and what should we change to win over the new generation of high-spending guests?” DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● Who are the potential passenger groups that the tourism sector hasn't sufficiently reached today, and what are their travel motivations? ● What expectations and experiences are driving the new generation of high-spending guests? ● How can tourism destinations and businesses identify and properly segment potential guests in new markets? ● To attract higher-spending visitors, what products should be developed that focus not only on price and luxury, but also on experience and value? ● What role do personalization, technology, social media, and digital platforms play in the purchasing decisions of the new generation of travelers? ● What strategies can be developed for new source markets and guest segments that Türkiye has not yet sufficiently utilized?
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Speaker ABOUT THE PANEL: Historically, the domestic travel market in Türkiye has often been viewed by hoteliers as a "safety net" or stabilizing force to fill capacity during fluctuations in international markets. However, today, the Turkish tourist has transformed into a powerful, high-spending consumer group that sets its own trends, demands premium services, and holds a massive share of the resort and cultural tourism inventory. As domestic OTAs and tour operators rapidly increase their volume and technological capabilities, the rules of the game are changing. Is the domestic tourist still merely filling gaps, or has he become the ultimate game-changer for the Turkish hospitality industry? This panel brings together giants of the Turkish domestic market to discuss the future of local demand, pricing strategies in a high-inflation environment, and the changing booking habits of the Turkish tourist. "A resilient tourism industry is built on a strong domestic market foundation." DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: • How has the purchasing power and booking behavior of the Turkish tourist evolved over the last five years? • Early booking vs. last minute: How are domestic platforms educating local consumers about planning ahead? • How are domestic tour operators and OTAs coping with inflation, rising costs, and pricing strategies for the domestic market? • In the competition between hotels' direct booking channels and domestic OTAs, who offers the best value to the Turkish consumer? • How important is the domestic market for the financial sustainability and cash flow of A+ resort hotels? • What are the next big trends in domestic tourism (e.g., cultural tours, gastronomy, weekend getaways)? “Is the domestic market still just a safety net, or has it become the main driver of growth?” or “Unlocking the true purchasing power of domestic tourists.”.
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Speaker ABOUT THE PANEL: The CIS and Eurasian travel market is undergoing a historic transformation. As traditional major players grapple with geopolitical and economic complexities, a new wave of growth is emerging from Central Asia and the Caucasus. Countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan are rapidly transforming from secondary source markets into major tourism powerhouses. How are major tour operators adjusting their capacity and flight networks to adapt to this new reality? What are the new demands of Eurasian travelers? This panel brings together major tour operators controlling the region's tourist flow, leading DMCs, and tourism authorities from emerging Eurasian countries to chart the future of the CIS outbound travel market. DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: • How are geopolitical shifts and aviation restrictions reshaping the traditional CIS outbound market? • Which emerging Eurasian markets (such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan) hold the greatest growth potential in the next five years? • How are major tour operators restructuring their operational centers and flight capacities? • What are the changing preferences of the new generation of CIS and Eurasian travelers regarding luxury, length of stay, and destination? • How can destinations and hoteliers better customize their services to suit the diverse cultural and economic profiles of these emerging markets?
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Speaker ABOUT THE PANEL: In this new era where travel decisions are increasingly shaped by digital content, social media trends, and personal experiences, young travelers play a significant role in the visibility and preference for destinations. Travel influencers not only promote the places they visit; they also influence the discovery of new routes, the formation of travel trends, and the reshaping of destination perception. The "Young Travelers Who Shape the Route" panel brings together travel influencers, content creators, and industry professionals to discuss how young travelers shape their travel decisions, the transforming role of social media in destination marketing, and future travel trends. "If we are no longer looking to guidebooks to discover a destination, but to screens followed by millions, who is really determining the route?" DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● How decisive are TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms in young travelers' destination choices? ● How do travel influencers popularize new, undiscovered destinations and alternative routes? ● How can viral travel content change a destination's brand perception and visitor demand? ● How influential are authentic experiences, local culture, gastronomy, and sustainability in the travel preferences of young travelers? ● How can destinations and tourism brands create more effective models in influencer collaborations that convert reach into actual visitors and revenue? ● How can content credibility, transparency, and the balance between advertising and organic content be maintained in the face of the increasing influence of influencers?
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Speaker ABOUT THE PANEL: The experience that governs tourism today and the new generation that will govern it tomorrow are on the same stage. Generation Face-Off is not about pitting experienced professionals from the sector against each other, but about bringing them together around the same questions; it's an intergenerational dialogue. While seniors share their years of experience, industry realities, and what they have learned so far, young people share their expectations, criticisms, and perspectives on the future. The aim is not to answer the question of "which generation is right?", but to show how the future of tourism can be built together by both generations. DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● Why are young people moving away from tourism? Is the problem in the expectations of young people or in the work culture offered by the sector? ● Do seniors truly understand today's youth? How much have the expectations of the new generation regarding work, career, freedom, salary, and life balance changed? ● What do seniors miss in the young people's perspective on the sector? What would young people like to change in the tourism sector today? ● What should young people learn from the experience of seniors? Can technology and new ideas replace years of industry experience? ● Has the perception of careers changed? Is advancing within the same sector for 20-30 years still a meaningful goal for young people? ● What should tourism offer young people? Just a job and a salary, or development, international experience, mobility, and a lifestyle? ● What would be a single message from seniors to young people, and from young people to seniors? FINAL QUESTION: “In 2035, today's young people will be running tourism. What kind of sector are we leaving them?”
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Speaker ABOUT THE PANEL: The Future Picture Workshop is an interactive future design project where young people present their ideas about the future of tourism, bringing together different perspectives. The workshop will address topics that will shape the future of tourism, from changing traveler profiles and technology to next-generation travel experiences and sustainability. Participants will not only discuss the future but also develop their own future scenarios. Future Picture aims to create a shared vision of the future of tourism from the perspective of young people. “What kind of picture do we want to see when we look at the tourism world in 2035?” DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● Who will be the traveler of the future? How will the expectations, habits, and travel motivations of the 2035 tourist change? ● Which aspects of the travel experience will technology and artificial intelligence change in the future? ● What should the hotel and destination of the future be like? What should we change from today's understanding of tourism? ● What role will experience, authenticity, social impact, and sustainability play in young people's travel preferences? ● What new products, services, and business models should the tourism sector develop to reach the traveler of the future? ● How should sustainable tourism of the future be designed in the face of climate change and dwindling resources? ● How will the balance between people and technology be established in the tourism sector of the future? ● If we were to take a picture of tourism in 2035 today, where would we want Türkiye to be in that picture?
ABOUT THE PANEL: The tourism sector is reshaping not only the concept of service but also the career landscape with digitalization, artificial intelligence, automation, changing guest expectations, and new business models. Alongside traditional hotel and travel professions, new areas of expertise such as tourism technologies, digital marketing, data analytics, sustainability, experience design, and content creation are becoming increasingly important in the sector's future. The "Check-in to the Future: Next Generation Careers in Tourism" session brings together industry professionals, young talents, educators, and human resources leaders to discuss the changing competency needs, new career opportunities, and the future employee profile in tourism. "Is simply knowing the sector enough to succeed in the future of tourism, or do next-generation talents need completely different skills?" DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● What new professions and career fields are emerging in the tourism sector due to artificial intelligence, automation, and digitalization? ● What technical and personal competencies will stand out in future tourism professionals alongside sector knowledge? ● What should be done to increase young people's motivation to pursue careers in the tourism sector and attract new generation talent to the industry? ● How should hotels and tourism companies redesign employee experience and career development in the changing business world? ● What new models can be developed to strengthen the education-employment fit between universities and the tourism sector? ● Is a career in tourism now limited only to hotel and travel operations? How are fields such as technology, data, content, sustainability, and experience design creating new career paths?
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Speaker ABOUT THE PANEL: Tourism is a constantly evolving sector, shaped simultaneously by many different dynamics, from destinations and hotels to travel experiences, gastronomy, digital content, and next-generation consumer behavior. The "Let's Talk About Tourism" session, hosted by Deniz Dikkaya, addresses the current state of tourism, the changes within the sector, and future expectations in a sincere and dynamic conversational format. This meeting will cover a range of topics, from current industry issues and changing tourist profiles to travel trends and the future of destinations, offering a direct and straightforward perspective on frequently asked questions about tourism. "What is truly changing tourism: the changing traveler, the changing destinations, or our changing understanding of travel?" DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● What are the most important changes and new trends shaping the present state of Turkish tourism? ● How are the expectations and travel habits of the next-generation traveler transforming the tourism sector? ● Which stories and experiences should we highlight when showcasing Türkiye's diverse destinations to the world? ● How do social media and digital content creators influence travel decisions and destination perception? ● What are the new markets, experiences, and tourism products that have growth potential for Turkish tourism in the coming period?
Speaker ABOUT THE PANEL: As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes customer experience in tourism and hospitality from pre-booking to post-stay, one of the most important actors in this transformation is the younger generation, who have grown up immersed in the digital world. From personalized recommendations to rapid communication, from smart booking systems to experience design, AI-powered solutions are transforming the expectations of young travelers and their relationship with brands. The "Customer Experience with AI from the Perspective of Young People" session brings together young travelers, technology experts, and tourism professionals to discuss the changes AI is creating in customer experience, the expectations of young people, and how the future of travel experiences will be shaped. "Will the flawless travel experience for young travelers begin with AI personalization, or will the human touch still be indispensable?" DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● What are the expectations of young travelers from AI-powered travel and accommodation experiences? ● How does AI make it possible to offer more personalized travel recommendations and services to young customers? ● At which stages of the customer journey, from booking to check-in, accommodation to after-sales communication, can artificial intelligence create more value? ● How should the balance between speed and personalization and human touch and sincere communication be struck for young consumers? ● Can chatbots, virtual assistants, and AI-powered recommendation systems truly increase customer satisfaction? ● How can young people's high adaptability to technology change the customer experience designs of tourism brands? ● In the age of artificial intelligence, how should trust, data privacy, and transparency be protected in the customer experience of the future?
ABOUT THE PANEL: The tourism sector is undergoing a new transformation thanks to the innovative approaches of young entrepreneurs, their new ideas, technology-driven business models, and their responsiveness to changing consumer expectations. Young entrepreneurs are not only establishing new brands and businesses within the sector; they are also reinterpreting traditional business models in areas such as hospitality, travel, gastronomy, experience, technology, and destination management. The "Young Entrepreneurs in Tourism: Success and Mistakes Are Ours!" session brings together young entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and investors to discuss the realities of the entrepreneurial journey, the challenges faced, the lessons learned from failures, and new generation business opportunities in tourism from a candid perspective. "Is courage enough to write a new story in tourism, or is learning from mistakes as much a part of entrepreneurship as success?" DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● What problems can young entrepreneurs turn into opportunities in the tourism sector today? ● How should ideas, capital, technology, and industry experience come together to create a successful business model in tourism entrepreneurship? ● How can mistakes and failures experienced on the entrepreneurial journey be incorporated into a sustainable success model? ● How can the fundamental problems faced by young entrepreneurs in the tourism sector, such as financing, human resources, bureaucracy, and market access, be overcome? ● What new opportunities do artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and new consumer behaviors offer to young entrepreneurs? ● What mechanisms should investors, the sector, and the government strengthen to support young people in establishing businesses in the tourism sector in Türkiye?
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Speaker ABOUT THE PANEL: The new economic space created at the intersection of sports and tourism offers vast potential, from promoting destinations and increasing off-season demand to hosting international events and athlete training camps. Turkey, with its climate, natural resources, facility infrastructure, and destinations suitable for various sports, is in a strong position to develop new opportunities in sports tourism. The Sports Tourism Panel brings together young athletes, sports managers, and industry professionals to discuss the contribution of sports organizations to destinations, the role of young people in sports tourism, and Türkiye's potential in the international sports tourism market. “If a sports event is more than just a competition, how can it change the future of a destination and the next generation of tourism economics?” DISCUSSION AND FOCUS QUESTIONS: ● How can sports organizations increase the international brand value and tourism visibility of destinations? ● What strategies should be developed for Türkiye to attract new international markets and visitor groups in sports tourism? ● How can sports camps, amateur sports, and youth organizations contribute more to tourism, in addition to major sports events? ● How can sports tourism be leveraged to reduce seasonality in tourism and extend the season to 12 months? ● How can the success stories and international careers of young athletes contribute to Türkiye's sports tourism branding? ● How can a stronger collaboration model be established between sports facilities, accommodation infrastructure, and destination management? ● What new experiences and business models might emerge at the intersection of sports, youth, and tourism in the future?
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