Turkey targets to host 1.5 million passengers from 900 cruise ships

Experts note that Istanbul is a city with potential to realize these figures. There are about 25 small and large cruise port facilities in Turkey where ships can dock. But the most important ones are Istanbul, Kusadasi and Antalya. Kusadasi alone hosts 80-85 percent of them. Experts anticipate that Galataport will grow rapidly to meet the need to host more guests.

WITH THE YENIKAPI PROJECT, THE TARGET IS TO HAVE 6-8 SHIPS DOCK AT THE SAME TIME

Speaking about the new port projects, Erdemir said, “KUSADASI targets to have mre than 500 ships and 800 thousand passengers, in 2022. A total of 800-900 ships and 1.5 million passengers are expected to arrive in Turkey together with other ports such as Antalya. In order to become the main port in the cruise tourism, Istanbul needs to have a larger port. Apart from Galataport, the ministry has such a project in YENIKAPI which could be suitable in this regard. With the YENIKAPI project, it is aimed that 6-8 large ships will dock at the same time.

CRUISE TOURISM IS A TREMENDOUS SOURCE OF REVENUE FOR A COUNTRY LIKE TURKEY

The target here should be to see to it that incoming passengers could stay in the city for a few days at least. These cruise passengers land at transit ports and travel to the historical sites and cities there in 6-12 hours and return back to the ship again. When we talk about “the main port” alternative however, the situation is different. Tourists can come to the main port 2-3 days in advance and participate in activities such as living in the city, shopping, accommodation, gastronomy etc.

Experts note that Galataport has become an exemplary project for Turkey. In the coming period more is expected to be realized in YENIKAPI. It should be understood that cruise tourism will substantially contribute to future of Turkey and ensure a very large amount of additional income.