İzmir Good Travel Summit 2027
Information for Delegates
ABOUT THE HOST CITY
About İzmir
With a history stretching back 8,500 years and a strategic location between fertile lands and the Aegean Sea, İzmir—long known by its ancient name, Smyrna—has always been a dynamic and cosmopolitan city, shaped by the many civilisations and cultures that have called it home.
Today, İzmir brings together this rich heritage with a vibrant contemporary lifestyle, renowned Aegean gastronomy, diverse coastal landscapes, vineyards, villages and a strong connection to the sea. The wider İzmir region is home to internationally recognised cultural heritage, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ephesus and Pergamon, as well as historic neighbourhoods, archaeological sites and cultural routes.
Sustainability is an increasingly important part of İzmir’s tourism development. The city is committed to responsible destination management and works closely with local stakeholders and international partners to protect its natural and cultural heritage while creating lasting benefits for residents and visitors. Çeşme, Selçuk and Urla have achieved Green Destinations Gold Award status, while Menderes has received the Green Destinations Silver Award, reflecting İzmir’s growing leadership in sustainable tourism.
With its unique combination of history, culture, nature, gastronomy and coastal experiences, İzmir offers an authentic and diverse destination for visitors and provides an inspiring setting for the Izmir Good Travel Summit 2027.
ABOUT THE COUNTRY
Türkiye
Türkiye is a country where Europe and Asia meet, with a rich cultural heritage shaped by thousands of years of history and by the interaction of many different civilisations. Surrounded by the Mediterranean, Aegean, Black and Marmara Seas, the country offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes, from coastal areas and islands to mountains, forests, wetlands and fertile agricultural regions.
Türkiye is home to numerous archaeological and cultural heritage sites, including 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as a wide range of historic cities, archaeological sites, cultural routes and traditional settlements. Its culinary heritage, handicrafts, local products and diverse regional traditions form an important part of the visitor experience.
Sustainable tourism is becoming an increasingly important element of Türkiye’s national tourism strategy. The country has developed the Türkiye Sustainable Tourism Programme, while its tourism offer increasingly includes sustainable destinations, nature-based experiences, cultural routes, local gastronomy and environmentally responsible accommodation. Türkiye also promotes responsible travel, sustainable transportation and internationally recognised environmental labels and certifications.
ABOUT THE VENUE
Swissôtel Büyük Efes İzmir
The main venue of the İzmir Good Travel Summit 2027 will be Swissôtel Büyük Efes İzmir, a five-star convention hotel located in the heart of İzmir, overlooking the Kordon waterfront and the Gulf of İzmir.
The hotel offers extensive conference and event facilities through the Büyük Efes Convention Center, including meeting rooms, conference spaces, ballrooms and outdoor areas. The hotel also provides accommodation, restaurants, wellness and spa facilities, and other services suitable for international delegates and professional events.
Location
Address: Gaziosmanpaşa Bulvarı No: 1, 35210 Alsancak, Konak, İzmir, Türkiye
The venue is centrally located and within walking distance of several of İzmir’s key attractions, including Kordon, İzmir Clock Tower, Kemeraltı Bazaar, the Agora Open Air Museum and Kültürpark. The nearest metro station, Çankaya, is less than a ten-minute walk away, while Pasaport Ferry Pier is approximately five minutes away on foot. İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport is approximately 20 minutes away by car.
Sustainability
Swissôtel Büyük Efes has a long-standing sustainability policy covering energy efficiency, waste management, natural resource conservation, biodiversity, local community engagement and responsible procurement. The hotel was certified as an Environmentally Sensitive Accommodation Facility (Green Star) by Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2014. It is also currently listed as an eco-certified hotel under the Türkiye Sustainable Tourism Programme.
For more detailed information about the hotel’s sustainability practices and initiatives, please visit:
Getting to İzmir
Transportation & Travel
İzmir is well connected to the rest of Türkiye and international destinations by air, road, rail, and sea. See here all the ways you can get to İzmir and travel around the city, from flights, trains to ferries, buses, metro, and trams.
By Train
İzmir is connected to Türkiye’s national railway network through TCDD Taşımacılık. Long-distance rail services connect İzmir with several cities and regions in Türkiye.
Delegates travelling from Ankara can use the İzmir–Ankara rail connection. Travellers coming from Istanbul or other cities should check current TCDD schedules and available transfer options when planning their journey, as routes and timetables may change.
Rail travel can be an attractive lower-carbon alternative for delegates travelling within Türkiye.
By Ferry
- International / Regional Connections: During the summer season and selected periods throughout the year, regular car ferry and high-speed ferry services operate between nearby Greek islands—Lesvos, Chios, and Samos—and the ports of Çeşme, Dikili, Aliağa, and Seferihisar.
- Urban Ferry Services: İZDENİZ operates regular ferry services between coastal districts such as Alsancak, Konak, Karşıyaka, and Bostanlı, providing a convenient way to travel within İzmir Bay.
By Air
İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) is the main airport serving İzmir and offers an extensive network of domestic and international flights. Direct international connections currently include major European cities such as Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona, Belgrade, Budapest, Copenhagen, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, London, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Prague, Rome, Stockholm and Zurich, as well as destinations in neighbouring regions. Flight schedules may vary by season.
For delegates travelling from destinations without a direct flight to İzmir, connections are widely available via Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), with frequent domestic services onwards to İzmir.
Adnan Menderes Airport is approximately 18 km south of central İzmir. After arrival, delegates can reach the city centre by İZBAN suburban rail, airport shuttle, municipal bus, taxi or rental car
By Car
İzmir is well connected to Türkiye’s major cities and surrounding destinations by an extensive motorway network:
- O-5 Highway (Istanbul–İzmir): The highway provides a direct connection between Istanbul and İzmir, with a journey time of approximately 3.5 hours.
- O-30 and O-31 Highways: These routes provide connections to İzmir’s eastern and southern surroundings, including Aydın and Denizli. The O-32 Highway provides direct access to western destinations such as Urla and Çeşme.
Getting Around the City: Traffic can be heavier during peak hours, particularly in central areas. Major destinations are well signposted, making it relatively easy to navigate the city by car.
By Bus
From the bus terminal, you can reach the city center by taxi, passenger shuttle, or ESHOT buses, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality’s public bus network. ESHOT offers the most widely used public transportation option for getting from the bus terminal to the city center and other major areas of İzmir.
By Metro and Tram
İzmir has an extensive rail-based public transportation network, making the Metro and Tram convenient options for getting around the city and reaching key areas, attractions, and transportation hubs.
METRO
İzmir Metro provides fast and frequent connections between the city centre and several districts. It connects with other public transportation services, including İZBAN and ESHOT buses, making it easy to combine different modes of transport during your stay.
The metro is particularly useful for travelling between İzmir city centre, Konak, Alsancak and Bornova, as well as for connections to other parts of the city.
TRAM
İzmir’s tram network provides convenient connections along some of the city’s main urban corridors. The Konak Tram runs through central İzmir, connecting areas such as Fahrettin Altay, Göztepe, Konak, Alsancak and Halkapınar.
The Karşıyaka Tram serves the Karşıyaka area along the northern side of the Gulf, while the Çiğli Tram provides connections within Çiğli and links with the wider public transportation network.
Metro and tram services can be accessed using İzmirimKart, as well as eligible contactless payment methods.
İzmirimKart (City Card)
İzmirimKart is a city card that can be used for public transportation and a range of municipal services in İzmir.
You can use İzmirim Card on the metro, İZBAN suburban trains, ferries, and all ESHOT buses.
Alternative payment options: Contactless credit and debit cards can also be used on the metro, ferries, and ESHOT buses. You can also use a QR code generated through the İzmirim Kart website for public transportation.
You can purchase an İzmirimKart at ticket offices in metro stations and at authorized İzmirimKart sales and top-up points. You can also top up your card online using a credit or debit card.
Plan Your Journey
For the easiest way to explore İzmir during the Summit, use the Metro and Tram network together with ESHOT buses, İZBAN and ferries. Check your route before travelling and allow extra time during peak hours.
Practical Information
VISAS
Visa requirements for Türkiye depend on the nationality of the traveller. Delegates are advised to check the applicable visa requirements before travelling.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye provides up-to-date information on visa requirements for foreign nationals, including visa exemptions and e-Visa eligibility.
Currency
The official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY / ₺). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourism businesses. ATMs are widely available throughout İzmir.
Language
The official language of Türkiye is Turkish. English is widely spoken in hotels, tourism businesses, international venues and central areas of İzmir.
Weather
The İzmir Good Travel Summit 2027 will take place from 26–29 April 2027, during the spring season.
April is generally mild and pleasant in İzmir, with comfortable conditions for walking and outdoor activities. Rainfall is possible, so delegates are advised to bring light layers and a light waterproof jacket. Delegates should check the local weather forecast shortly before travelling.
Recording Policy
For privacy and data protection reasons, the use of camera-enabled glasses is strictly prohibited at all Green Destinations and Good Travel Alliance events.
TRAVEL TIPS
- İzmir city centre is easy to explore on foot, particularly around Kordon, Konak and Kemeraltı.
- Public transportation is a convenient option for travelling around the city. Contactless credit and debit cards are also accepted for public transportation payments.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- İzmir is well known for its Aegean cuisine, including olive oil dishes, seasonal vegetables, seafood and local specialities. Local specialities include İzmir köfte, boyoz, kumru and lokma.
- Delegates extending their stay can explore nearby destinations including Ephesus – Selçuk, Pergamon, Urla, and Çeşme.
- April is generally a good time to explore both İzmir and the surrounding Aegean region.
- The single emergency number in Türkiye is 112, covering ambulance, police, fire and other emergency services.
this event is possible thanks to
Our Partners
This event is possible thanks to the generous support of our partners. Their commitment to sustainability and innovation are crucial in bringing the İzmir Good Travel Summit to life. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners for their collaboration and dedication.
Co-Hosting & Partnership Opportunities
The İzmir Good Travel Summit 2027 offers co-hosting slots across plenary and parallel sessions, enabling event partners to align their brand with the global sustainable tourism agenda while reaching a highly targeted professional audience.
See you in İzmir!
Join us as we bring together destinations, tour operators, OTAs, financial institutions, and technology partners. Together, we connect destination-based positive-impact tourism offers with evolving market demand, opening new pathways to market access.
Interested in attending? Contact us here