Routes Europe 2027 – Antalya site visit

Routes Europe 2027 will take place in Antalya, Türkiye between 20-22 April. Prior to the event, the Routes team conduct numerous site visits to the destination to meet with the hosts, visit the venue where over 5,000 meetings will take place to define air connectivity and explore the fantastic opportunities that delegates can experience during their time in Antalya, including numerous networking events. 

Members of our Host & Event Management, Commercial and Marketing teams visited the dynamic destination and shared their experience and recommendations with future Routes Europe 2027 delegates. 

Who did you meet with? 

It was a pleasure to meet with the Host team from Fraport TAV Antalya Airport to discuss everything from welcoming delegates at the airport to networking experiences.  

As Türkiye’s second busiest airport in terms of international traffic, the team are excited to showcase its EUR 865 million expansion project to the route development community. Completed in April 2025, the infrastructure more than doubled terminal and airside capacity, increasing the airport’s annual passenger capacity to 65 million. 

The hosts explained that European traffic plays a significant important role in achieving air connectivity growth. The destination recorded its highest-ever visitor number per year in 2025, highlighting growing demand as Antalya continues to broaden its offering in cultural, adventure, sports, events and eco-tourism with year-round flights. 

What can you tell us about the venue? 

Antalya’s NEST Congress & Exhibition Center is in the heart of the 5-star hotel region and just 32km from the airport. Its main hall and adaptable spaces are the perfect setting to accommodate exhibition stands, airline meeting halls and the keynote theatre. 

Routes Europe 2027 will have full capacity of the venue, making networking opportunities more seamless and an easier flow from meeting to meeting.  

The venue hosts a range of global events including the International Astronautical Congress (IAC), and the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.  

With the majority of Official Hotels located around the venue, we anticipate that many delegates can enjoy a short transfer time of up to 10 minutes.  

Which hotels did you see? 

Official Hotels are located within Belek, a luxury resort town on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. Renowned for world-class golfing, private beaches, and range of activities, Routes Europe 2027 delegates will experience a true example of Antalya’s leisure attraction. 

The location also makes it easy to visit ancient historical sites including Antalya Old Town, Perge Ancient City, Side Ancient City, and Aspendos Theatre, must-see cultural highlights for those planning on extending their stay.  

What is one thing you would recommend our delegates must do during their time in Antalya? 

A highlight has to be exploring Antalya’s historical Old Town, Kaleiçi. Walking down the cobbled streets surrounded by ancient Roman ruins and restored Ottoman-era mansions, the Old Town is home to a wealth of restaurants, shops and bars.  

We highly recommend delegates to take their time strolling around the iconic landmark, snap a picture at Hadrian’s Gate and take in the stunning views of its marina. 

Antalya’s hospitality and cuisine is second to none. Blending Mediterranean freshness with rich Turkish traditions, every meal we ate was paired with a beautiful setting. We also found it easy to find restaurants that catered for a range of dietary requirements and allergens.  

Our hosts have kindly offered some of their top recommendations for dining in Antalya. Whilst most restaurants accommodate walk-ins, we recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment.  

Routes Europe 2027 is set to be an extremely productive event to accelerate your route development strategy and make valuable new connections, all whilst exploring a destination renowned for culture, gastronomy, nature, nightlife, and world-class hospitality.