Air Transat and GoTürkiye Host Türkiye FAM

Air Transat, in collaboration with GoTürkiye, is pleased to highlight the success of a familiarization trip held from September 12 to 18, 2026, in Türkiye with a select group of approximately ten Canadian travel industry partners. Departing from Toronto and Montréal, the initiative showcased the destination's rich cultural heritage, world-renowned gastronomy, and diverse tourism offering while strengthening ties between Canadian and Turkish tourism stakeholders.

The group enjoyed a complete immersion in Istanbul, one of the world's most captivating cities, where Europe and Asia meet. The carefully designed itinerary combined cultural discovery, local experiences, and meaningful industry connections. Participants explored some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. A cruise along the Bosphorus also provided breathtaking views of Istanbul's unique skyline and historic waterfront.

Beyond sightseeing activities, participants took part in an exclusive B2B networking event featuring local tourism suppliers, including hoteliers, destination management companies, attractions, and industry representatives. The event created valuable opportunities for Canadian travel professionals to build relationships with Turkish partners, exchange market insights, and explore new business opportunities aimed at promoting Türkiye among Canadian travelers.

Throughout the program, attendees experienced Türkiye's renowned hospitality through authentic culinary experiences, cultural encounters, and interactions with local tourism leaders. These experiences provided a deeper understanding of the destination's appeal and highlighted the wide range of travel opportunities available to Canadian visitors.

"We are delighted to have provided our partners with the opportunity to discover Türkiye, an exceptional destination renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, outstanding cuisine, and warm hospitality, said Jhadyd Gonzalez, National Sales Manager, Air Transat. This journey allowed participants to experience firsthand the incredible potential of the destination for Canadian travelers while building valuable connections with local industry partners. At Air Transat, recently named the World's Best Leisure Airline for the eighth time at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards, we are proud to collaborate with outstanding partners to showcase inspiring destinations and create meaningful travel experiences that bring people and cultures closer together."

This familiarization trip reflects Air Transat's continued growth in the Turkish market. The airline has operated non-stop service between Toronto and Istanbul since December 2025 and will launch its new non-stop Montréal-Istanbul route in October 2026, providing Canadian travelers with even greater access to one of the world's most fascinating destinations.

The trip also enabled participants to deepen their understanding of Türkiye as a premier destination for Canadian travelers while highlighting the growing accessibility offered by Air Transat's network. It also demonstrates the shared commitment of Air Transat and GoTürkiye to promoting Türkiye as a destination of choice for Canadians seeking cultural discoveries, culinary experiences, city escapes, and customized travel experiences.