CONNECT 2020 Route Development Forum to be held in Antalya

Fraport TAV Antalya Airport wins bid to host the 17th CONNECT Route Development Forum, taking place 19th – 21st February 2020

Antalya Airport will be Host of the 17th CONNECT Route Development Forum in 2020 after submitting a compelling bid to showcase their dynamic destination and beautiful region to over 700 expected aviation professionals.

CONNECT is regarded as the friendliest route development forum and delivers a relaxed format whilst offering cost and time effective benefits. It brings together senior decision-makers from airlines, airports, aviation suppliers and tourism authorities for 2.5 days of unlimited one-to-one meetings, alongside a conference and social networking programme. “Combining such a successful event with a rich and diverse region will enhance the reputation of this already highly regarded destination,” says Deniz Varol, General Manager of Fraport TAV Antalya Airport.

Taking place in the heart of the world-class Turkish Riviera, CONNECT also provides an opportunity for the winning Host to showcase the full potential of its destination. Through complimentary excursions, including historical guided tours – guests are given a valuable chance to learn about Turkey’s long history, covering archaeological displays in the ancient city of Perge, and Turkey’s most intact theatre at Aspendos.

Commenting further, Gudrun Teloeken, General Manager of Fraport TAV Antalya Airport, states, “We are proud to be hosting CONNECT 2020 in Antalya, an exciting holiday destination at the crossroads of ancient and modern cultures”.

Karin Butot, CEO at The Airport Agency, organiser of CONNECT, commented on the strategic choice of Antalya as host destination for what is expected to be the most successful event yet, with attendance growing year on year: “Antalya has proved to be an ever-growing tourism destination, ranking 11th within the most visited cities worldwide and we are thrilled to announce that our delegates will experience the tourism capital of Turkey as part of CONNECT 2020”.

Antalya Airport is operated and managed by a joint venture between Fraport AG and TAV Airports. The significant know-how and broad experience of these two aviation giants contributes to the ongoing success of Antalya Airport. In 2018, Fraport TAV Antalya Airport (FTA) had a record passenger traffic of more than 32 million and hosting CONNECT is a strategic part of plans to continue growth within the region. Antalya Airport is currently serving more than 200 airlines and destinations in more than 50 countries.

Antalya Airport features one of the most advanced aviation infrastructures in Turkey and the Mediterranean region, offering a wide range of passenger amenities. The top markets for Antalya Airport are Russia, Germany, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Poland.

The event will be supported by Official Carrier, Sun Express and will be held from 19th – 21st February 2020 at 5* Susesi Luxury Resort, boasting direct access to the beach, lush gardens and endless pools.

Blessed with a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters, Antalya is bathed in sunshine for more than 300 days every year. Thanks to these factors, plus 640km of coastline, Antalya attracts both domestic and international tourists throughout the whole year and is on track to continue its annual average of 10% growth in passenger numbers over the past 19 years. Consequently, Antalya Airport finalized the year 2018 with a growth of 22% in total passenger numbers and received a great deal of attention.