Following a successful first Istanbul edition, Connections confirms its 2027 dates and outlines plans to deepen relationships across Türkiye, the Middle East and surrounding markets.
Istanbul, Türkiye | October 2026 - Connections has confirmed that its Middle East edition will be hosted in Istanbul again from 10-13 October 2027, following the success of its first gathering in the city, held from 11-14 October 2026.
Originally scheduled for Doha, the 2026 event was relocated in response to the evolving regional situation. The move brought the Connections Luxury Middle East community to Istanbul for the first time, creating an opportunity to strengthen existing international relationships while opening new connections across Türkiye and neighbouring markets.
Hosted in partnership with Rixos Tersane Istanbul, the invitation-only gathering brought together senior luxury travel buyers and exceptional international travel brands for curated business meetings, distinctive Turkish cultural experiences and conversations about the future of luxury travel across the Middle East.
The decision to return in 2027 reflects both the success of the Istanbul edition and Connections commitment to maintaining a strong, connected regional community. Istanbul will provide a base for the event while Connections continues to look towards future editions in the Middle East.
A new meeting point for luxury travel
Long recognised as a crossroads of international commerce and culture, Istanbul offers a natural setting for an event built around meaningful business relationships.
Its position between Europe and Asia, established hospitality sector and access to a broad network of international markets create opportunities to bring new Turkish and regional buyers into the Connections community, alongside established luxury travel decision-makers from the Middle East and beyond.
The 2026 programme combined carefully curated one-to-one meetings with shared experiences designed to encourage more natural conversations and stronger commercial relationships.
Rather than focusing solely on introductions, delegates had the opportunity to discover new products, understand the needs of different markets and develop partnerships that extend beyond the event itself.
Understanding a changing luxury travel market
Industry insight gathered through Connections Pulse, the company's developing research initiative, offered a timely perspective on the priorities shaping luxury travel across the Middle East.
Exclusive and private experiences emerged as the strongest area of growing traveller appetite, followed by highly personalised service and family, multigenerational and celebration travel.
Looking ahead, geopolitical confidence was identified as the most significant influence on continued regional luxury travel growth over the next 12 months, with air connectivity and consumer confidence also ranking highly.
Together, the findings highlight the importance of maintaining international relationships and access to exceptional travel products as the industry navigates changing market conditions.
Greg Reeves, Managing Director of Connections, commented:
"Our Middle East community has always been incredibly important to Connections, and bringing everyone together in Istanbul demonstrated just how strong those relationships are.
"What began as a necessary change of location became an opportunity to discover a remarkable city, strengthen our existing partnerships and introduce our community to new people and markets. Istanbul gives us a fantastic base from which to continue building those connections, while remaining fully committed to returning to the Middle East when the time is right."
Turkish hospitality at the heart of the experience
Set within a restored historic shipyard overlooking the Golden Horn, Rixos Tersane Istanbul provided the setting for the event's business programme and immersive experiences.
The hotel's distinctive combination of contemporary luxury and Istanbul's maritime heritage created a memorable backdrop for delegates, with the Rixos team playing a central role in delivering the event and welcoming the international Connections community.
Throughout the programme, buyers and suppliers experienced elements of Turkish culture together, from traditional Ebru marbling and rug weaving to coffee-cup reading, Yazma textile printing and henna artistry.
These shared moments offered an introduction to the craftsmanship, traditions and personal experiences that make Türkiye such a compelling luxury destination, while reflecting the growing appetite for exclusive and highly personalised travel identified through Connections Pulse.
The programme extended beyond Rixos Tersane Istanbul, with an evening reception at InterContinental Istanbul and a closing celebration at Mondaine de Pariso, showcasing the city's hospitality and vibrant social scene.
Journeys by Zee, the event's official destination management partner, supported the programme of experiences and transfers, helping bring the destination to life for visiting delegates.
Atakan Urfa, Director of Sales at Rixos Tersane Istanbul, commented:
"Hosting Connections Luxury Middle East was a wonderful opportunity to welcome an exceptional international community to Istanbul and introduce them to the hospitality, culture and experiences that make our city so distinctive.
"We are delighted that Connections will return in 2027 and look forward to continuing our partnership as Istanbul welcomes more of the world's leading luxury travel professionals."
Building towards 2027
The event was supported by an international network of partners including Rixos Tersane Istanbul, InterContinental Istanbul, Journeys by Zee, Atlantis Dubai, Visit Newport Beach, Orelea, Serefin Health, XO Private, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Preferred Hotels & Resorts and TCA Group of Companies.
Building on the success of its first Istanbul edition, Connections will continue developing its buyer and supplier community across Türkiye, the Middle East and surrounding markets, creating new opportunities for international business and long-term partnerships.
Connections Luxury Middle East will take place in Istanbul from 10-13 October 2027.
ENDS -
About Connections Luxury
Connections Luxury is a global community connecting senior luxury travel decision-makers with exceptional hotels, destinations and travel partners. Through invitation-only events, curated meetings, immersive experiences and industry insight, Connections creates meaningful relationships and long-term commercial opportunities.
Website: www.connectionsluxury.com
Press enquiries: Alissia Genco-Russo (alissia@weareconnections.com) Marketing Manager at Connections