07 Feb Muğla Sends a Strong Message of Unity with Its Districts at EMITT 2026
The Eastern Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel Exhibition (EMITT) 2026 was held at the Istanbul Fair Center (IFM). As one of the most important global meeting points of the tourism industry, the fair brought together key stakeholders from around the world. Muğla Metropolitan Municipality participated in the event with exhibition stands opened in cooperation with district municipalities, chambers of commerce, and tourism stakeholders.
Each year, EMITT brings together tourism professionals from around the world with destinations and travel brands. Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Aras, who also serves as the President of the Coastal Aegean Municipalities Union, attended the fair as well. EMITT continues to be one of the sector’s leading international meeting points, hosting 656 participants from 109 countries and welcoming 23,725 visitors.
Muğla Showcased on the International Stage at EMITT
Within the scope of EMITT 2026, Muğla Metropolitan Municipality is promoting the city’s natural, cultural, and tourism assets to visitors through exhibition stands opened in cooperation with district municipalities. At the Muğla stand, the city’s year-round tourism diversity, sustainable tourism approach, cultural heritage, gastronomy, and alternative tourism opportunities are highlighted. Through the connections to be established throughout the fair, it is aimed to further enhance Muğla’s international visibility.
Launch of the Caria Vision Tourism Meeting Held
The launch of the 2nd International Caria Vision Tourism Meeting was held within the scope of the EMITT Tourism Fair. In addition to Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Aras, the launch was attended by presidents of chambers of commerce, district mayors, members of parliament, and Muğla Governor Dr. İdris Akbıyık. During the event, sector representatives were presented with the Caria Region’s historical and cultural heritage, its sustainable tourism approach, destination branding efforts, and goals for international cooperation.
Mayor Aras: “We Represent Our City in Cooperation with Our Districts”
Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ahmet Aras stated that the EMITT Tourism Fair serves as an important platform for establishing new partnerships and promoting destinations internationally. He emphasized that Muğla is strongly represented at the fair together with its district municipalities. Mayor Aras also underlined that the launch of the 2nd International Caria Vision Tourism Meeting, held within the scope of EMITT, is highly valuable for both Muğla’s tourism sector and Türkiye’s tourism as a whole.
Mayor Aras: “Muğla Has a Strong Cultural Heritage”
Speaking at the launch of the 2nd International Caria Vision Tourism Meeting, Mayor Aras shared his views on Muğla’s historical heritage, tourism potential, and infrastructure investments. Emphasizing that the Carian and Lycian civilizations were established in Muğla, Mayor Aras noted that this highlights the city’s historical significance. He stated that each district of Muğla has hosted many civilizations throughout history and that the city possesses a strong cultural heritage.
“We Are Making Record Investments in Infrastructure”
Mayor Aras emphasized that strong infrastructure is essential for sustainable tourism, saying: “Without completing our infrastructure, we cannot achieve a sustainable and high-quality tourism sector. We must speak openly about what still needs to be improved.”
Mayor Aras stated that Muğla Metropolitan Municipality has made infrastructure a top priority, noting that the investment budget of the Muğla Water and Sewerage Administration (MUSKİ) was increased from 900 million Turkish lira to 6.2 billion Turkish lira. He also reported that in 2025 alone, an investment of 4.2 billion Turkish lira was made for water supply, sewage systems, wastewater treatment plants, and distribution networks. He added that efforts to secure water supply through a desalination system are also ongoing.
“Institutions in Muğla United Under One Roof”
Emphasizing institutional cooperation in his remarks, Mayor Aras stated: “Today, under the leadership of our esteemed Governor, we are all gathered under the same roof together with all our districts. We will continue to work in cooperation and with a shared vision for Muğla’s future.”
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