In cruise tourism, one of the important income sources of tourism in Türkiye, the total number of passengers visiting the country increased by approximately 20 percent compared to the same period last year.
It was published by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and given to the country; According to statistics determining the total number of incoming, outgoing and transit passengers, the total number of cruise passengers between January and June 2023 was determined as 482 thousand 925, while in the first 6 months of 2024 this figure reached 574 thousand 509.
Cruise tourism, one of the important income sources of tourism in Türkiye, continues its rise. While industry representatives state that cruise tourism has gained significant momentum in terms of holiday preferences after the pandemic period around the world, Türkiye draws attention with its potential in cruise tourism with its touristic regions, ports and facilities. According to cruise statistics published under the coordination of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, General Directorate of Maritime Affairs; While the total number of cruise passengers at 17 different port points in 2023 was determined as 482 thousand 925, in the first 6 months of 2024, this figure reached 574 thousand 509 as measured at 15 different port points. Istanbul and Kuşadası stood out as the most popular points in cruise traffic. In the statistics determined as the number of arriving, departing, transit and total passengers in the country, it was seen that the number of passengers increased by approximately 20 percent (18.96) in the first 6 months compared to 2023.
“It shows that Türkiye has gained significant momentum”
Representatives of the cruise tourism industry also drew attention to the importance of cruise tourism. Emrah Yılmaz Çavuşoğlu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Camelot Maritime, which operates foreign-owned cruise ships in Türkiye, evaluated the statistical data.
Çavuşoğlu said, “The significant increase in Türkiye’s cruise tourism in the first half of 2024 reveals a great success compared to last year and the impact of our country in this field. Compared to the figures at the beginning of 2024, there is a visible increase in the number of passengers arriving for cruise tourism.
The number of arriving passengers, recorded as 893 in January, increased to 17 thousand 764 in June, reaching a total of 40 thousand 139 people. This reveals how dynamic and rapid the tourism industry is developing in the cruise segment. Likewise, there was a remarkable increase in the number of departing passengers.
The number of departing passengers, which was 908 in January, increased to 19 thousand 408 in June and reached 46 thousand 490 people in total. This increase shows that Türkiye has gained significant momentum in both incoming and outgoing passenger mobility in cruise tourism. “The modern infrastructure and tourist-friendly services of port cities support this increase, making our country an important player on the world cruise map,” he said.
“It started with 893 in January: The number of arriving passengers reached 40 thousand 139 people in June.”
Çavuşoğlu said, “The latest figures show that cruise tourism is increasing strongly. According to the data of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, while the number of incoming passengers started the year as 893 people in January 2024, this number increased by 17 thousand 764 in June, reaching a total of 40 thousand 139 people.
While the number of outgoing passengers was 908 in January, it increased to 19 thousand 408 in June, while the total number of outgoing passengers was recorded as 46 thousand 490. While the number of transit passengers was 18 thousand 185 in January, it became 206 thousand 379 in June and there were 487 thousand 880 people in total. “The total number of passengers in cruise tourism started as 19 thousand 986 people in January and reached 243 thousand 551 people in June, reaching a total of 574 thousand 509 people,” he said.
“Data shows that Türkiye is increasing its attractiveness in the cruise market”
Çavuşoğlu said, “These data show that Türkiye is experiencing significant growth in the field of cruise tourism and that our country’s attractiveness in the international cruise market is increasing. Cruise tourism also contributes greatly to the revival of touristic activities and support of the local economy, especially in our coastal cities.
Cruise tourism has shown great growth in the post-pandemic period, and the expansion of fleets in this field has become more attractive with the diversification of travel options. “Globally, the cruise industry has entered a significant recovery process and these developments have made cruise tourism even more preferred.”
“Tourists are from Russia, Germany, Netherlands, England and the USA”
Çavuşoğlu said, “Increased security measures and hygiene standards in the post-pandemic period have made cruise travel safer and more comfortable, increasing the number of people who prefer such travel. Türkiye also took its share from this trend and became an important destination in terms of cruise tourism.
While the ports in our country are supported by modern infrastructures where cruise ships can easily dock, their rich cultural heritage and natural beauties also create attractive centers of attraction for tourists. “We can say that the tourists coming to Türkiye by cruise ship are Russian, German, Dutch, British and American,” he said.
