Fethiye Opens to the Chinese Market at ITB China 2026
Fethiye is being promoted at ITB China 2026, one of the leading organizations in the Asian tourism sector. At the fair in Shanghai, tourism values ranging from paragliding to gastronomy are exhibited, while new cooperation opportunities in the Chinese market are also focused on.
Fethiye meets international tourism professionals at the ITB China 2026 Tourism Fair held in Shanghai, China. At the fair, which started on May 26 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, the Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry participated at Stand No. D27 as a sub-participant under TGA of the Muğla Metropolitan Municipality. While the region's paragliding, nature sports, sea tourism, and gastronomy potential were presented for the Chinese market, visitors were offered a virtual flight experience from Babadağ to Ölüdeniz using VR glasses.
Fethiye Stands Out with Experiential Tourism at ITB China 2026
Fethiye is represented at ITB China 2026 not only with brochures but also through experience-focused promotion. At the fair, İlkay İde, Vice Chairman of Travel Agencies and Car Rental Professional Committee No. 9 of FTSO, and FTSO member Semih Necli served. Participants experienced a virtual paragliding flight from Babadağ to Ölüdeniz through VR-supported glasses. This method aims to show that Fethiye is not only a holiday destination for Chinese tourists but also an adventure and nature-focused route.
Why the Chinese Tourism Market Gains Importance for Fethiye
FTSO Chairman Osman Çıralı stated that the Chinese market has gained increasing momentum in world tourism in recent years. According to Çıralı, positioning Fethiye more strongly in this market means new collaborations and increased visitor mobility for regional tourism. Especially the interest of Chinese tourists who focus on experiential tourism in nature, adrenaline sports, and unique destinations creates an important advantage for Fethiye. For this reason, contacts at the fair are evaluated not only as promotion but also as market work for future seasons.
Fethiye's Alternative Tourism Potential is Presented in Shanghai
At the fair, in addition to sea, sand, and sun tourism, Fethiye's strength in sports, adventure, culture, and gastronomy is conveyed to sector representatives. Ölüdeniz, Babadağ, bays, hiking routes, and local flavors are aimed to be made more visible in the Chinese market. Fethiye's participation in ITB China 2026 highlights the region's identity beyond classic summer tourism. Thus, the aim is to spread the tourism season over a wider calendar and reach different tourist profiles.
Fair Contacts May Open Doors for New Partnerships
Osman Çıralı, noting that ITB China 2026 will continue until May 28, recalled that they received positive feedback from the fair last year. He stated that the promotional activities conducted with stakeholders from the Fethiye Municipality and Tourism Council continue this year as well. Çıralı said they expect the contacts established during the fair to increase Fethiye's visibility in the international tourism network. He also expressed the wish that the season, which gains momentum with Eid al-Adha, brings profit to regional members and tourism enterprises.
Reporter: News Center
