/ More exhibition space and attendance in line with the 2025 edition for ATRAX 2026, held in Istanbul in mid-January /

If you’re reading this magazine, you know better than most that entertainment is serious business: it’s an industry with countless facets that, economically speaking, is worth over $225 billion worldwide. 

Turkey came to this industry a little later than other nations, but is quickly gaining ground and establishing itself as a significant market – one worth $1.8 billion today and projected to grow by 28% by 2030.

The latest new releases, trends, and innovations in the sector found a showcase in Istanbul in mid-January at the 13th edition of ATRAX. The trade show, with its various sections – Attractions and Parks, Aquafun, Outdеs, and Vendist  – gives visitors the opportunity to explore multiple complementary worlds: from theme parks to FECs and arcades, waterparks and spas, and extending into landscaping, sports facilities, public green spaces, and urban furniture, to name just the main ones. 

The event occupied 5 pavilions of the Istanbul exhibition center, covering a total of 55,000sqm and welcoming over 400 exhibitors from 24 countries and just under 18,000 visitors, with 26% coming from abroad (from 81 countries).

“ATRAX 2026 strongly highlighted also the strategic role of the attraction and recreation sector in the future of cities through our ‘Serious Fun’ theme,” said Nergis Aslan, Chair of the Board of Tureks International Exhibitions, organizers of ATRAX 2026. “Throughout the exhibition, parks, playgrounds, sports areas, and urban attraction solutions were addressed not merely as leisure activities, but as fundamental elements that enhance quality of life, drive economic mobility, and strengthen social interaction.”

During the fair, Ms. Aslan also announced the return of the ATRAX-Luna Awards for excellence – suspended for several years after 8 editions. Unlike in the past, however, the award ceremony will no longer take place during the ATRAX trade show, but at a standalone event scheduled for October 2026. Facilties and products will be the 2 macro-categories, broken down into numerous subcategories including, for example, “Best Attraction/Recreational Facility of the Year” and “Best Sports Facility.” Applications can be submitted from May 1st to August 15th.

ATRAX 2027 will again be held at the Istanbul Expo Center, from January 28 to 30. The theme of the 14th edition will be “Urban Wellness – Active City,” with a focus on projects that integrate physical activity, attractions, water, outdoor design, and social interaction.

Continue reading Games & Parks Industry February 2026, page 66

Photos Courtesy: ATRAX EXPO

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