Turkey Anticipates Major Growth in Cruise Tourism for 2025
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Turkey is set for a significant increase in cruise tourism by 2025, with a forecasted rise in ship arrivals and passenger traffic, according to industry analysts. The Turkish Association of Travel Agencies predicts substantial growth in the sector.
Key Takeaways
- 1.9 million cruise passengers visited Turkey in 2024.
- 20% growth in cruise ship arrivals expected.
- Kusadasi is the leading cruise hub in Turkey.
- Galataport in Istanbul will expand to accommodate more traffic.
- The cruise industry significantly boosts the local economy.
Ankara, March 5 (NationPress) Turkey is poised for a remarkable increase in cruise tourism by 2025, with industry analysts forecasting a rise in ship arrivals and passenger numbers.
Data from the Transport and Infrastructure Ministry indicates that Turkey welcomed 1.9 million cruise passengers in 2024, achieving a record high and showing a notable increase from 1.5 million in 2023. This sector generated around $3 billion for the economy last year, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute.
The Turkish Association of Travel Agencies predicts a 20% growth in cruise ship arrivals at Turkish ports and a 30% increase in passenger traffic this year, fueled by the arrival of larger and more advanced vessels.
Kusadasi, a vibrant resort town along the Aegean coast, continues to be Turkey's premier cruise destination, managing over half of the nation’s cruise traffic.
Kusadasi acts as a crucial link between Greece and Turkey in the Aegean. Its capacity could be enhanced to accommodate more ships and tourists year-round,” stated Kivanc Meric, regional representative of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies.
The town is projected to receive over 800,000 cruise passengers in 2025, a rise from 700,000 last year.
Another significant contributor to Turkey's cruise industry is Galataport in Istanbul. Since its opening in 2021, Galataport has emerged as a prominent destination, welcoming 164 cruise ships and 400,000 passengers in 2024. The port is slated for a major expansion in 2025, expecting a 37% increase in ship arrivals, totaling 225, and a 46% rise in passenger numbers to approximately 585,000, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
In addition to enhancing tourism statistics, the cruise industry greatly benefits the local economy by boosting spending in local services and creating jobs across various sectors, including port operations, hospitality, tourism, and retail.
“With cruise travel becoming increasingly popular globally, Turkey is in a strong position to leverage this trend by attracting more visitors and increasing ship traffic at its ports,” noted Meric.
