Schengen Visa Challenges Boost Istanbul's Trade Fair Appeal

Schengen Visa Restrictions Reshape Europe's Trade Fair Landscape

Strict Schengen visa policies are unexpectedly benefiting Turkey's exhibition industry, with Istanbul rapidly becoming a top alternative for global businesses locked out of European trade fairs. According to TÜYAP General Manager İlhan Ersözlü, sectors like furniture, food, agriculture, and home goods are thriving as exhibitors pivot to Turkey.

Visa Rejection Rates Drive Business Eastward

EU data reveals Turkey ranked second in 2024 Schengen visa applications (1.17 million), facing a 14.5% rejection rate. This bottleneck has particularly affected:

• Turkish business owners denied stand access
• African and Asian exhibitors facing similar barriers
• Company representatives struggling with entry approvals

Ersözlü notes: "Schengen obstacles caused European fairs to decline while Istanbul's events grew phenomenally, now ranking among Europe's top one or two in their categories."

Istanbul's Rising Sectors

The MENA region's growing preference for Turkish fairs has particularly boosted:

• Plastics and packaging exhibitions
• Marble and construction material showcases
• Homeware and tableware industry events

This shift comes as traditional European hosts like Germany, France, and Italy see declining participation from key emerging markets.