Türkiye Set to Welcome Over 2M Cruise Visitors

(MENAFN) Türkiye is on track to welcome over 2 million cruise tourists by the end of 2025, potentially eclipsing the 2013 record of 2.2 million, the head of the Turkish Travel Agencies Association (TURSAB) told media.

Firuz Baglikaya emphasized that sustained growth in Türkiye’s cruise sector hinges on factors including infrastructure improvements and regional security. He stressed Türkiye’s strategic geographic position as a major asset for expanding cruise tourism.

Drawing on data from the Turkish Transport Ministry, Baglikaya reported that around 675 cruise ships carried just over one million passengers between January and July—reflecting a 19% increase year-on-year.

He pointed out that “the cruise sector rapidly recovered worldwide after the COVID-19 pandemic,” with global cruise tourists now reaching 35 million, up from 30 million before the pandemic.

“Türkiye is also benefitting from this recovery, as a country located at the intersection of Eastern Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Sea routes,” Baglikaya said.

Highlighting key hubs, he noted that ports such as Kusadasi, Izmir, and Bodrum being included in cruise itineraries has significantly boosted tourism in these cities and strengthened Türkiye’s global cruise tourism profile.

The shift of global cruise companies selecting Istanbul as a main departure port has transformed Türkiye from a mere stopover into a central cruise hub.

“Istanbul Galataport significantly contributed to this development, as its use meant that cruise ship tours from Istanbul would lead to tourists enjoying the city first, adding to the economy across a wide range of sectors,” Baglikaya added.

He also stressed the high spending potential of cruise tourists, who often participate in complementary tourism sectors such as MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) and health tourism.

“It is key to analyze the developments and the changing dynamics in cruise tourism and develop strategies and roadmaps,” Baglikaya said. “The changing demographics of cruise tourists also need to be understood and the products need to be developed with them in mind.”

Isin Hekimoglu, Türkiye country manager at MSC Cruises, told media that the nation’s cruise tourism has entered a “strong upward trend” in recent years, with Istanbul, Kusadasi, and Izmir ports becoming vital for regional and global cruise routes.

“Türkiye’s unique cultural heritage, natural beauty, and strategic location play a key role in this rising interest,” she said, noting Türkiye’s central role on Eastern Mediterranean routes.

“With year-round, uninterrupted voyages from Türkiye, we welcome international guests to the country while offering domestic guests the privilege of starting their cruise voyages from their own country,” Hekimoglu added. “We aim to host more guests by increasing departures from Türkiye, while providing a great experience to 35,000 domestic guests over the next three years.”

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