Turkey Closes 2024 as a Rising Star in Cruise TourismTurkey is ending 2024 with major successes in cruise tourism, achieving record-breaking growth in passenger numbers and modernizing its port infrastructure. With these developments, the country has become one of the leading destinations in the Mediterranean. Camelot Maritime Chairman, Captain Emrah Yılmaz Çavuşoğlu, highlighted the progress by saying, “Turkey is a young player in cruise tourism, but we’ve shown how quickly we can grow. These achievements motivate us even more for 2025.”
A Record Year for Cruise Tourism
2024 marked a turning point for
Turkey in cruise tourism. Building on past achievements, Turkey improved in areas like port infrastructure and customer satisfaction, attracting more cruise ships than ever before. According to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, while only 893 passengers arrived in January 2024, this number reached 22,404 in October. Over the year, more than 1,200 cruise ships visited Turkish ports, bringing 1.8 million passengers in total. These numbers confirm Turkey’s rapid rise as a preferred cruise destination.
Economic Benefits for Port Cities
The economic benefits of
Cruise Tourism are strongly felt in port cities. “Cruise tourism is not just about passenger transport; it’s a big investment in the local economy,” said Çavuşoğlu. Restaurants, gift shops, transportation services, and tour guides have directly benefited from the increase in cruise tourism.“2024 saw a 20% increase in early bookings and higher-quality services at our ports. Combined with Turkey’s unique cultural and natural heritage, we’re offering an unforgettable experience that makes cruise passengers want to come back,” he added.
Top Cruise Destinations in Turkey
The most visited cruise ports in 2024 included Kuşadası, Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrum, and Antalya. Meanwhile, Black Sea ports like Samsun, Trabzon, and Sinop also experienced significant growth, with Samsun leading the region by welcoming 25,000 passengers this year. These visits brought substantial economic benefits to local businesses and communities.
“A Global Cruise Hub”
Highlighting Turkey’s strategic location connecting the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Seas, Çavuşoğlu said, “Turkey is in a unique position for cruise tourism. Our modern and high-tech port infrastructure ensures tourists have a comfortable and memorable experience.” He emphasized the importance of continued investment, saying, “Our goal is to make Turkey one of the most important cruise destinations in the world. Collaboration between the private sector and public institutions will be key to maintaining this momentum.”
Plans for 2025: Sustainability and Innovation
Looking ahead to 2025, Çavuşoğlu announced a roadmap focused on growth and sustainability. “While welcoming more passengers and ships, we will prioritize eco-friendly practices. Investments in energy-efficient port infrastructure and technologies to reduce the carbon footprint will play a major role. Supporting local businesses and promoting Turkey’s natural and cultural treasures will further boost economic growth. We aim to make Turkey an essential cruise hub in the Mediterranean and Black Sea,” he said.With its strong performance in 2024, Turkey is ready to take cruise tourism to even greater heights in 2025.
