Turkey’s cruise tourism industry is making waves, bolstered by an impressive surge in passenger arrivals in 2023. According to data from the Transport and Infrastructure Ministry, passenger numbers soared by nearly 50 percent year-on-year, exceeding expectations set by officials. Davut Gunaydin, Vice President of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, highlighted the importance of diversification in the tourism sector, with cruise tourism playing a crucial role in their efforts.
Turkey boasts several well-equipped ports for cruises, including Galataport in Istanbul and Kusadasi on the Aegean coast. Galataport, inaugurated in 2021, has significantly boosted cruise activity across the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Gunaydin acknowledged that Turkey trails Mediterranean neighbors like Italy in cruise market share but expressed confidence that strategic investments could secure a larger slice of the pie.
The country’s unique position at the crossroads of four seas – the Mediterranean, Aegean Sea, Marmara Sea, and Black Sea – offers unparalleled potential for cruise itineraries. Gunaydin is optimistic about Turkey reaching its target of 2 million cruise passengers set for 2024. He emphasized that investments in modern terminals, aiming to increase per-passenger spending, would further bolster the national economy.
The current conflict in the Gaza Strip has raised concerns about its impact on regional tourism. However, Gunaydin downplayed its immediate impact on Turkey. While some cruise lines have adjusted itineraries due to the violence, the industry remains optimistic. Tourism is a vital lifeline for Turkey’s economy, employing over 2 million people and contributing significantly to the GDP. Cruise travelers, known for their high spending habits, are a coveted demographic for tourism destinations.
Esra Demir, an associate at an Ankara-based travel agency, highlighted that cruise passengers typically spend ten times more than the average tourist. This higher spending translates to a significant boost for hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses. Kusadasi, a popular resort on the western Aegean coast, currently handles roughly half of Turkey’s cruise ship traffic. Demir emphasized Kusadasi’s potential as a cruise travel hub in the Aegean and suggested further exploration to accommodate more cruise ships and passengers throughout the year.
