(MENAFN) Turkish ports experienced a notable surge in cruise traffic during the first half of the year, receiving approximately 490 cruise ships—an 18.07% increase compared to the same period in 2024—driven by intensifying global interest in the country’s maritime tourism sector, Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu told media.

“Growing interest in our country’s cruise tourism is the number one indicator of the rising demand for our maritime tourism, thanks to Türkiye’s geographical location,” said Uraloglu.

Cruise passenger numbers also climbed sharply, rising 27.46% year-over-year to reach 732,302 between January and June.

June alone saw a strong uptick, with 173 cruise ships docking at Turkish ports—up 14.56% from the same month last year—and 293,766 passengers disembarking, marking a 20.61% annual rise.

Kusadasi Leads as Cruise Hotspot
Türkiye's status as a global tourism magnet continues to strengthen, with travelers increasingly drawn by its rich historical, cultural, and natural offerings, Uraloglu said. He also emphasized that cruise tourism investments are progressing in tandem with developments in other transportation sectors.

“We expect to easily surpass 2 million passengers this year,” he said.

Kusadasi, located in southwestern Türkiye, emerged as the nation’s busiest cruise port in the first half of 2025, welcoming 227 ships and 339,922 passengers.

Istanbul, the country’s commercial powerhouse, followed with 96 ships and 220,720 cruise passengers. Other active ports included Bodrum with 29 ships and 31,761 passengers, Cesme with 24 ships and 11,183 passengers, and Canakkale with 15 ships.

Smaller regional ports collectively accommodated 99 ships and 119,743 passengers. Additionally, a single cruise vessel docked at each of the ports of Fethiye, Gocek, and Sinop during this period, Uraloglu noted.

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