Introduction

Istanbul is a natural gateway spread over two continents, Europe and Asia, divided by the Straights of Bosphorus. It is a metropolis proud of its rich history of 8000 years. The natural beauty of the city, the exciting scene blending modern city life and history, and the modern infrastructure makes it a unique meeting place for international congresses and meetings. As Napoleon Bonaparte has quoted, ’’ if the world was a single country, Istanbul would be the capital of it’’.

Istanbul is also the capital of art and culture with a rich tradition in opera and ballet, theatres performing Turkish and foreign plays, concert, art exhibitions, festivals, auctions, conferences and of course unique museums. The city also boasts the country’s largest and finest universities.

Istanbul, has been proclaimed European Capital of Culture 2010; a recognition that can only enhance further its status as an exciting and intriguing meeting destination.

As an imperial capital for 8000 years, Istanbul has acquired a highly original personality. At every turn in the city you are faced with Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman palaces, mosques, churches, monasteries, monuments, walls and ruins.

Istanbul is increasing its appeal for the international meeting industry every year as a result of its growing importance for

international trade, commerce and industry, constantly improving infrastructure, international networking and active involvement of national associations and corporations and universities.

The valuable contribution of the meeting industry in economic, social and scientific developments of the destinations has been realized and appreciated by both public and private sectors and therefore the support from these sectors has considerable grown.

The city has hosted many important and large scale international congresses and events within the past 10 years and became a

preferred destination for international congresses. Consequently, the city’s worldwide ranking in ICCA’s international association meeting statistics rose from 40th in the year 2000 to 7th in 2010 by the number of international association meetings held.

Along with the developments in the meeting industry, foreign visitor number of Istanbul reached 6.928.867 in 2010.

With its modern infrastructure, state of the art venues and luxurious accommodation facilities, Istanbul now is one of the world’s leading destinations for international meetings, congresses and exhibitions.