A research on the current situation and developing strategies of congress tourism in Gaziantep

Increasingly international trade and technological developments together with the globalization process have increased the congress and conference activities. With this change and transformation, the reduction of transportation costs and the facilitation of transportation have made congress tourism one of the fastest growing markets in the world. In the meetings and congresses held within the scope of congress tourism, the congress delegates come together in important fields such as science world, health sector, communication, engineering, technology, social sciences, sports and arts and present important contributions to recognition of the destination realized and various aspects of the congress. If the congress tourism sector is in the macro sense and the micro economy is in the micro sense, the value added to the regional economy has come to the forefront and the importance of congress tourism has increased between the alternative tourism activities. Gaziantep, which is the biggest city in Southeastern Anatolia and the sixth largest in Turkey, has an important place with its population, economic potential and metropolitan status. Gaziantep; Is one of the few congress destinations in Turkey because of its rich natural, historical and cultural richness. Within the scope of the study, it is seen that Gaziantep province is not in the desired position in terms of congress tourism as a result of the survey study conducted with tourism sector employees and administrators operating in Gaziantep. It has also been determined that there are insufficiencies in infrastructure and superstructure possibilities in promotion and marketing activities for congress tourism in Gaziantep and that participants are in a consensus on the lack of expert personnel to be employed in this area. For the development of congress tourism, it is necessary to quickly imagine the rational strategies applicable to the common mind of tourism sector employees and local stakeholders. The strategic steps taken by Gaziantep in congress tourism will contribute to the city's economy, branding and income increase from tourism. It is of great importance to set forward-looking strategies in order to maximize the share of Gaziantep's national and international congress tourism and to bring vitality to its touristic facilities throughout the year. Keywords: Congress, Congress Tourism, Tourism Enterprises, Gaziantep,