Turkey's yacht tourism potential is vast, but new marina investments and regulations are crucial for growth, says CEO Begüm Doğulu.
Begüm Yatçılık CEO and President of the Yacht Tourism Association, Begüm Doğulu, stated that Turkey has strong potential in yacht tourism but emphasized that new marina investments, stricter inspections, and clear regulations are needed for the sector's growth. Doğulu pointed out that the heavy technical services provided in marinas, especially in maintenance and repair, have led to both safety issues and a loss of reputation in the industry.
In a program she participated in on CNBC-e , Doğulu evaluated that Turkey has an advantageous geography for yacht tourism, but the existing infrastructure and practices limit the sector's competitiveness.
Doğulu began her speech with a positive development regarding Turkish yacht construction. She announced that the 32-meter yacht named Lady Luna, built entirely with domestic resources by the Begüm Group of Companies, reached the finals in its category at the competition held in Venice, known as the 'boat Oscars.' Emphasizing that this is an important achievement for Turkey, Doğulu stated that the yacht has a high chance of winning an award on May 2.
“Marinas have started to operate like shipyards.”
Doğulu argued that one of the main reasons for the decrease in the number of foreign-flagged yachts coming to Turkey for maintenance and repair recently is the uncontrolled provision of heavy technical services in marinas.
She stated that according to regulations, marinas should provide shelter, water, electricity, fuel, and limited small maintenance services to boats. However, she noted that many marinas are effectively operating like shipyards. Doğulu expressed that heavy maintenance, refit, engine, and technical operations should only be carried out in licensed shipyards, adding that the proliferation of these activities in marinas creates both legal and environmental issues.
Doğulu mentioned that there is insufficient infrastructure for the storage and treatment of hazardous waste in marinas, stating that waste such as solvents, paints, and oils pose serious risks. She pointed out that maintenance and repair activities carried out in unauthorized areas increase the risk of fire and accidents, noting that insurance companies may also be rendered ineffective in the event of an incident.
“Turkey is not receiving its rightful share of the refit market.”
Doğulu indicated that the annual refit business volume worldwide is approximately $25 billion, while the volume in the Mediterranean basin is around $5 billion, stating that Turkey has not yet even captured a 10% share of this market. She attributed this to a lack of regulations, insufficient oversight, and systemic issues, expressing that if clear rules are established, Turkey could achieve a much stronger position in this area.
“Marina capacity is insufficient.”
Doğulu stated that the marina capacity in Turkey does not meet current demand, noting that there has been a significant increase in Turkish yacht ownership over the past two years, making new investments inevitable. She emphasized the need for larger marinas capable of accommodating mega yachts, stating that if Turkey wants to generate more income from refit and yacht tourism, it must first strengthen its accommodation infrastructure.
“In mega yachts, income is more important than quantity.”
Addressing comments suggesting that Turkey is less preferred in the mega yacht segment, Doğulu asserted that Turkey is actually a strong destination. She noted that the recently implemented charter license regulation is an important step, stating that in the past, some foreign-flagged vessels operated commercially in Turkey without providing sufficient contribution, and that the new system has made this more equitable.
Doğulu explained that this has led to the perception in some circles that 'the number of yachts has decreased,' but she clarified that this does not fully reflect the reality. She stated that Turkey is now receiving fewer but larger and more prestigious yachts that leave higher revenues, concluding that 'quality is important, not quantity. Even if the number decreases, income is increasing.'
“Lack of marinas creates pollution.”
Supporting the mooring and reservation system implemented in Göcek, Doğulu stated that uncontrolled anchoring in coves for extended periods leads to environmental pollution. She pointed out that a yacht remaining in a cove for days or weeks without entering a marina creates serious issues in terms of waste management, arguing that marinas produce solutions, not pollution.
Doğulu stated, 'The presence of marinas does not create pollution; rather, a lack of marinas creates pollution,' and emphasized that Göcek needs to be better protected, even suggesting that its status as a national park should be considered.
Call to the government: Incentives and regulations.
Doğulu stated that they have two main expectations from the government for the development of the sector. First, she requested incentives for new marinas that can accommodate mega yachts. Secondly, she expressed that stricter regulations are needed in the field of ship and yacht agency.
Emphasizing that agencies are the first point of contact for yachts arriving in Turkey, Doğulu stated that it is critical for reputable firms to operate in the sector for the country’s reputation. She noted that the relevant regulation should be enacted as soon as possible.
Integrated service model stands out.
In the program, Doğulu also mentioned company investments, announcing that they have established a fuel supply company under the Begüm Group of Companies. Highlighting the importance of an integrated service model in yacht tourism, Doğulu stated that consolidating areas such as agency, provisioning, shipbuilding, consulting, and fuel supply under one roof increases customer trust.
She noted that despite only 10 days having passed since the new fuel company began operations, they have already achieved sales of 450,000 to 500,000 liters, stating that their year-end target is 15 million liters.
“Turkey deserves to be number one.”
Doğulu indicated that Italy, France, Greece, and Croatia still remain strong destinations in global yacht tourism, asserting that Turkey could rise to a much stronger position with its natural coves, long coastline, historical richness, climate advantages, and quality of service.
She expressed that Turkey's coasts are more sheltered against the meltem wind in the summer months and that the coves offer significant advantages for navigation and anchoring, noting that Turkey also differentiates itself from its competitors in terms of service quality and hospitality.
Doğulu concluded, 'Turkey actually deserves to be number one. However, for this to happen, yachting must be taken more seriously, rules must be clarified, and the government must pay more attention to the sector.'
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
CNBC-e
