COP31 expected to diversify Antalya's tourism, extend season

The 31st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), will take place in Antalya from Nov. 9 to Nov. 20, 2026.

Antalya, which welcomed a record 17.12 million foreign tourists last year, already hosts major events every year.

However, this year is expected to see three notable international conferences in the popular tourism hub, which in turn is expected to boost its appeal, and sector representatives hope to again see similar figures.

In addition to tourism, the city has become an international meeting point for diplomacy, science, weddings, congresses, and environmental policy. Alongside the COP31 talks in November, the city will this year host the “5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2026)” and the “77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC).”

At the Antalya EXPO Center, visitors from 196 countries will gather at the same table to discuss climate issues, while many events will take place across the city at the same time.

The congress will address key topics such as climate change, greenhouse gas reduction targets, sustainability and environmental policy. It is expected to diversify tourism in the city and extend the tourism season, as it coincides with a period when activity normally slows.

Kaan Kaşif Kavaloğlu, president of the Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers and Operators Association (AKTOB), told Anadolu Agency (AA) that hosting COP31 in Antalya is a highly strategic step for Turkey’s international position.

Kavaloğlu noted that Antalya hosts millions of foreign tourists every year and said they are preparing to welcome more than 17 million tourists again this year.

Emphasizing that COP31 is one of the largest global organizations, Kavaloğlu said: "I spoke at COP28 in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and represented our country there. COP29 in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, coincided with the Tourism Resort Congress. COP30 was held in Brazil. Turkey was one of the candidate countries, next to Australia and Germany. We succeeded in having COP31 awarded to our country."

"We achieved this thanks to the efforts of our president, our minister of culture and tourism, and especially Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum. We worked very hard to bring it to Turkey," he added.

Moreover, Kavaloğlu expressed that many heads of state are expected to attend the climate congress and that participation will be very high.