Turkey has a goal to diversify its tourism. Increasing cruise tourism is also part of these objectives. As of November, Turkey has surpassed its target of 1.5 million passengers with a total of 1,517,933 arrivals for the year.
The cruise sector recovered after the pandemic and made a global comeback in 2023.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, Turkey significantly elevated its position in cruise tourism in 2023.
Considered a 'hub' in cruise tourism, Turkey is expected to set records in both the number of ships and passengers in 2024.
With its strategic geographical location, Turkey has become a significant hub in cruise tourism, attracting a substantial number of cruise ships with recent investments in its ports.
Cruise passenger numbers surpassed 1.5 million in the first 11 months
According to data from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, as of November of last year, the number of cruise passengers arriving at Turkish ports exceeded 1.5 million, reaching the highest figure ever recorded.
Cruise companies have revised their targets upwards for the number of ships and passengers they plan to bring to Turkish ports in 2024, expected to be the 'cruise year' worldwide. Turkey is anticipated to break records again in cruise tourism this year.
As of the end of November, Turkey welcomed 1,167 cruise ships to its ports, representing a 19.4% increase. The number of passengers also rose by 51.6% compared to the same period the previous year, reaching 1,517,933.