Istanbul Now Secures Millions from Medical Congresses, Solidifying Its Global Position

Published on December 23, 2025

Istanbul is ready to take a prominent role in the international congress industry, with plans for hosting a total of four major medical congresses in the year 2026. The city is looking forward to a substantial flow of medical personalities, as over 25,000 delegates are expected for these gatherings. The estimated earnings for the city from the influx of these delegates are expected to create a new record, as it is set to reach an impressive $100 million.

A New Revenue Stream for Istanbul: Medical Tourism and Congresses
Medical congresses have emerged as a new driver of tourism in Istanbul, complementing the city’s established reputation for health tourism. In 2026, Istanbul will host some of the most significant medical events in the world, attracting professionals from various fields of medicine, research, and healthcare. The influx of these medical congress participants will have a direct and positive impact on local businesses, especially in the hospitality sector, with hotels, restaurants, and transportation services expecting a surge in demand.

The collaboration between the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO) and the Istanbul Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB) has been instrumental in bringing these large-scale medical events to the city. The ICVB, in particular, has been a key driver in securing the participation of international medical professionals, ensuring that Istanbul remains competitive in the global congress market. With these efforts, the city is on track to surpass the 48,000 congress visitors recorded in 2024, further solidifying its position as a leading destination for global events.

Projected Economic Impact and Tourism Growth
Istanbul’s anticipated revenue of $100 million from medical congress tourism in 2026 is a significant achievement for the city’s tourism sector. These events are expected to generate substantial economic benefits for local businesses, ranging from hotels and venues to restaurants, transportation, and retail services. The medical congresses will also have a broader impact on the city’s global reputation, attracting more international visitors and investments in the years to come.

The 25,000 medical congress participants in 2026 will not only bring immediate revenue but also contribute to the long-term growth of Istanbul’s tourism industry. As professionals from around the world attend these congresses, they will experience firsthand the city’s rich cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and world-class facilities, making them more likely to return as tourists or recommend Istanbul as a destination for future events.

Istanbul Ranks Among the Top Cities for Medical Congresses
Istanbul’s rising profile in the global medical congress market was recently highlighted by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). In its newly released list of the “Top 8 Cities for Medical Science Meetings in 2024,” Istanbul ranked eighth, a remarkable achievement that underscores the city’s growing influence in the global MICE industry. The city’s strong performance in hosting medical congresses reflects its strategic investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and tourism, all of which have helped make it a desirable destination for international events.

This recognition from the ICCA is a testament to the success of the city’s efforts to attract high-profile medical congresses and events. Istanbul’s ranking also positions it as a competitive contender for future international conferences, attracting global attention and further establishing its role as a hub for medical science and innovation.

Securing Future Congresses: A Vision for 2027-2030
The future of Istanbul’s congress market looks even brighter with the recent success of securing additional international medical congresses for the years ahead. Through joint efforts by the İTO and ICVB, the city has already secured three major congresses for 2027, 2028, and 2030. These upcoming events will further cement Istanbul’s reputation as a global congress destination and continue to drive the city’s tourism growth.

These secured congresses will not only contribute to Istanbul’s economy but also help develop the city’s infrastructure and services to meet the growing demand for MICE tourism. The long-term commitment to attracting these events demonstrates the city’s dedication to becoming a leader in the global meetings and conventions industry, with a focus on medical and healthcare sectors.

Istanbul’s Strengths as a Congress and Tourism Destination
Istanbul offers a unique blend of historical charm, modern infrastructure, and a strategic location bridging Europe and Asia, making it an ideal destination for international congresses. The city is home to world-class conference venues, cutting-edge technology, and a rich cultural heritage that provides an exceptional backdrop for any event. Additionally, its thriving healthcare sector, renowned medical institutions, and high-quality services further enhance Istanbul’s appeal as a top destination for medical congresses.

For participants of medical congresses, Istanbul provides a wealth of opportunities to explore the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace. The city’s vibrant cultural scene, luxurious hotels, and diverse culinary offerings ensure that visitors have a memorable experience beyond the conference halls.

The Future of Medical Congresses in Istanbul

The projected tourism receipts of $100 million from medical congresses in 2026 are just the first step in realizing a larger plan to develop the hosting of foreign events as part of its plan to become a worldwide center of medical science innovation.

Thanks to the continuous initiative taken by the İTO and the ICVB, along with Istanbul’s well-developed infrastructure and its attractiveness to tourists and those searching for medical help, Istanbul will soon figure among the favored venues for foreign congresses. This development will not only boost Istanbul’s tourism sector, but the entire economic development of the region will also prosper.