Bosphorus Boat Show Set to Attract 50,000 Visitors

At the Bosphorus Boat Show organized by the Yacht and Boat Industry Association (YATED), special support is provided for local manufacturers, and it is expected to create a significant commercial volume with over 50,000 visitors. Industry representatives emphasize that the fair will be a critical platform in terms of exports, tourism revenue, and marina investments. YATED President Murat Bekiroğlu noted that despite the challenges in the sector, the goal is to create a significant commercial volume, stating that the fair will bring together over 500 brands and more than 200 participants at the Istanbul Fair Center from February 21 to 28.

The yacht and boat industry is preparing to meet at the Can-Am Bosphorus Boat Show, organized by YATED and supported by ED Fuarcılık, from February 21 to 28. The Can-Am Bosphorus Boat Show, held under the Can-Am Main Sponsorship and dubbed 'the world's second largest land fair,' will host over 500 brands, more than 500 boats, and over 200 participants under one roof at the Istanbul Fair Center. The organization aims to enhance the global competitiveness of the sector and expects to create significant commercial volume with over 50,000 visitors. Before the fair, YATED President Murat Bekiroğlu made statements. The meeting was attended by YATED Board Member Uğur Aksan, YATED Secretary General Orhun Şentürk, YATED General Manager Kadir Karakaya, ED Fuarcılık Founding Partner Dilek Soydan, ED Fuarcılık Founding Partner Emel Yılmaz, and Ataköy Marina General Manager Artun Ertem.

The fair will serve as the trade showcase for the sector in an area of 27,000 square meters.

Murat Bekiroğlu expressed that over 2,500 different products, ranging from motor yachts to marine engines, catamarans to boat equipment and accessories, will meet with sea lovers at the Can-Am Bosphorus Boat Show, stating, 'A great gathering will take place where everything related to boats will be found together, fulfilling pre-season needs and allowing people to purchase their dream boats. We will host our visitors for 8 days at our fair.' He noted that the fair continues to grow each year, adding, 'We are collaborating with Ataköy Marina for our fair. We are organizing our marine fair there and also conducting the transfer operations of the boats at the land fair together. Additionally, we are displaying our boats that cannot be exhibited on land at Ataköy Marina. This year, our fair will take place in approximately 27,000 square meters across 6 halls. We are truly organizing a successful fair during a time of difficult economic conditions. Thanks to long-term agreements made with the Istanbul Fair Center, significant price advantages have been provided to fair participants. This year, despite the increase in inflation rates, prices were raised by only 12%, allowing participants to feel the inflation difference at a minimum level. Furthermore, an additional 10% discount was offered to members who made advance payments, enabling participation at last year's prices. The association is also providing additional support for companies participating in the fair; expenses up to a certain kilowatt hour are covered, and half of the handling costs are borne by the association. With these supports, we are trying to offer opportunities to participants during this challenging period.'

Goal: Opening new markets and export channels for local manufacturers.

Murat Bekiroğlu emphasized that they provide significant support to local manufacturers at this fair, stating, 'We have offered serious privileges to local manufacturers. Additionally, we have allocated an area of 4-5 thousand square meters to local manufacturers. We have ensured that our local manufacturers have a greater presence in this area. World-renowned brands will also take their place at our fair as always. Representatives from international organizations such as the European Boating Industry Association (EBI) and the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) will also participate in our fair. We will also organize nearly 20 events related to our sector at the fair. Our aim is to make our sector's voice heard in increasingly challenging markets and to provide sea lovers with an exciting week through our fair,' he said.

Local manufacturers will establish direct contact with global buyers.

Orhun Şentürk emphasized that this year's goal is to increase the number of foreign visitors rather than the number of participants, stating, 'Our main objective, especially with the majority of foreign buyers, is to create a platform where local manufacturers can be introduced to foreign customers. The marine and land organizations at the Bosphorus Boat Show offer significant exhibition opportunities for local manufacturers. Through this platform, local manufacturers have the chance to communicate directly with potential buyers. However, due to uncertainties in the sector and economic fluctuations, we cannot provide a specific figure regarding the targets. This is because exchange rates, global market changes, and other factors can change rapidly. Therefore, the main focus is to provide local manufacturers with the opportunity to meet buyers during this challenging period.'

Logistics organization will transport large boats to Ataköy Marina.

Dilek Soydan stated that the exhibited boats will range in size from 3 meters to 30 meters, saying, 'This year, high-tech boats, equipment, and accessories will also be present at the fair. Boats that we cannot bring ashore or that cannot enter the Istanbul Fair Center will meet their visitors at Ataköy Marina. The land fair is more challenging than the marine fair. Boats are taken from the sea, loaded onto large trucks, and transported to the fairgrounds. Additionally, we have boats coming from abroad. Furthermore, this year, significant support has been provided to local manufacturers. YATED has embraced local manufacturers. This support for local manufacturers has become very important during a time when the sector needs it. The value given to local manufacturers should actually be seen as the beginning of a long journey. Because with the developing local production, our sector will become even stronger,' she expressed.

'Increasing costs are challenging global competition.'

Murat Bekiroğlu also made evaluations regarding the ship, boat, and yacht sector, stating: 'According to the data announced by the Ship Yacht and Services Exporters Union for 2025, total exports exceeded 2 billion dollars. This figure was supported by revenues from 'refit' projects, which include boat refit services and maintenance-repair works. The refit operations carried out in 2025 are expected to reach approximately 2 billion dollars, while a decline is anticipated for 2026. Especially new tax regulations targeting the USA and increased competition in Northern Europe have raised the challenges faced by the sector. In the European market, Poland and Norway stand out as the biggest competitors, as labor costs in Poland are lower compared to Turkey, enhancing the competitiveness of these countries. A slight decline is expected in the general market compared to 2025. However, we can say that there is no specific market being lost. This situation can be attributed to the triggering of a decrease in global demand. Although Turkey is an important player in the yacht sector in Europe, it faces challenges due to rising labor costs and intensified competition.'

'Tax and financing pressure has narrowed the small boat market.'

Murat Bekiroğlu pointed out that boats priced between 50,000 Euros and 150,000 Euros could be purchased with bank loans and leasing options in previous years, but it has become difficult due to increasing taxes and rising marina mooring costs in recent years. He noted that the price of a 100,000 Euro boat has risen to 130,000 Euros, stating: 'Additionally, difficulties in accessing financing have negatively affected local manufacturers. There has been a decline in sales of small boats; experiencing problems in this segment in Turkey is one of the biggest challenges faced by local manufacturers. Due to high taxes and rising costs, local consumers have also started to withdraw. While there are manufacturers that are shifting from local to global markets and continuing to grow by making infrastructure investments, the decline in small boats and the weak financial structure of local manufacturers complicate the situation.'

'Yacht tourism provides high added value to the economy.'

Murat Bekiroğlu also addressed the issue of marinas, which is among the biggest problems in the sector, stating, 'The inadequacy of marinas in Turkey poses a significant barrier, especially for the development of yacht tourism. Marina investments provide serious contributions to the national economy, both directly and indirectly. The cost of a medium-sized marina investment exceeds 100 million dollars, and these investments require substantial infrastructure work.' He emphasized that marinas make a significant contribution to the Turkish economy, highlighting the importance of foreign yacht and boat tourists coming to Turkey and spending more time in the country. Bekiroğlu stated, 'Compared to mass tourism, tourists coming through yacht tourism spend 8-10 times more. Tourists arriving on mega yachts spend even more. Additionally, with appropriate marina prices and infrastructure, yacht owners can spend the winter months in Turkey, which allows for an increase in refit (maintenance-repair) work and creates positive effects in various sectors of the local economy. Investments made in marinas in Turkey touch the entire economic ecosystem, extending to sectoral areas such as barbers, greengrocers, and butchers.'

'Marina investments play a strategic role in marine tourism.'

Artun Ertem also pointed out the critical role of marinas in the development of marine tourism in Turkey, stating that especially due to the effects of climate change, extraordinary weather conditions such as tropical storms and hurricanes have started to occur more frequently. He emphasized that these weather events pose serious threats to the safety of sailors, stating, 'In this context, safe marinas and docking places are of great importance. These ports, certified by the relevant government institutions and providing insurance coverage, stand out as the safest areas where boat owners can securely moor their vessels. The importance of marinas becomes more evident during unexpected and severe storms. The marinas in Turkey hold a significant place in terms of the sustainability and safety of marine tourism. These infrastructure investments not only ensure the safety of sailors but also enhance Turkey's competitiveness in the marine tourism market.'

Highlights from the Can-Am Bosphorus Boat Show:

- Helicopter Exhibition: For the first time, a helicopter will be exhibited at this year's land fair.

- Children's Activity Areas: Activity areas have been set up for visitors coming with children. This way, parents can leave their children at the activities and tour the boats.

- Large Boat Exhibition: Boats over 30 meters will be exhibited at Ataköy Marina. This year, more large boats will be present.

- Changes in Fair Hours: Due to Ramadan, visiting hours for the fair will be between 11:00 and 18:00. Additionally, companies can make reservations for test drives at Ataköy Marina after 16:00.

- A Boat Capable of Transitioning from Land to Sea: A boat that can travel both on land and at sea will be exhibited at this year's fair.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye