Cruise Tourism Brings Economic Transformation

Speaking ahead of Maritime and Cabotage Day, Emrah Yılmaz Çavuşoğlu, Chairman of Camelot Maritime, stated, "Our country is attracting the attention of the entire world. In 2023, we managed to reach 1.5 million cruise passengers, and we expect this number to reach 2 million tourists in 2024." Turkey has gained significant momentum in cruise tourism in recent years, and the technical development of its cruise ports is attracting global interest.

The rise in Turkey's cruise tourism, combined with the country's stunning natural beauty and rich historical heritage, has made it an important tourist destination. Emphasizing the significance of Maritime and Cabotage Day, celebrated as a national holiday on July 1, Emrah Yılmaz Çavuşoğlu highlighted that Turkey has become an attractive destination for cruise companies and passengers. Çavuşoğlu stated, "Improvements in port infrastructure and investments in tourist sites are enhancing Turkey's competitiveness in the international cruise market, further strengthening its potential in the tourism sector."

"We Will Stand Out with Cruise Tourism"

Emrah Yılmaz Çavuşoğlu, emphasizing the improvements in port infrastructure and investments in tourist destinations, highlighted that these contribute to increasing our country's competitiveness in the cruise market and sustainable tourism development. Predicting that the number of passengers, which was 1.5 million in 2023, could reach 2 million in 2024, Çavuşoğlu stated, "The number of cruise reservations made to Turkish ports has exceeded 1,400 so far. In 2023, this number was around 1,200. It is expected that the number of reservations will reach 1,600 in the coming months. Ships with capacities ranging from 1,000 to 5,500 passengers dock at Turkish ports. We expect the number of passengers, which was 1.5 million in 2023, to reach 2 million in 2024."

Gürbüz Can, General Manager of Camelot Maritime, reminded us of the importance of not forgetting our sailors during these days of celebrating Cabotage Day. He said, "With the entry of new and large cruise ships after the pandemic, it is expected that 1.5 million seafarers will be employed at sea by 2025. Turkish tourism workers have a great potential, especially for the growing cruise and mega yacht sectors. However, we still haven't resolved the international travel issues for our professional sailors. Visa issues for seafarers are causing us to receive a smaller share of the growing employment pie. Unless this issue is resolved, Turkish maritime industry will lag behind. In line with the importance of Cabotage Day, it is essential that we find solutions to the problems faced by our sailors."