İstanbulun kruiz turizmində yüksəlişi davam edir

İstanbul son illərdə kruiz turizminin ən əhəmiyyətli mərkəzlərindən birinə çevrilib. This success achieved by Türkiye in the maritime field showed a significant increase, especially in the first five months of 2023. Cruise tourism contributes greatly to Türkiye's tourism revenues.

Choosing Istanbul as the Main Port

Türkiye's sea ports have become attractive stopping points for cruise ships. According to the data announced by the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs, the number of cruise ships arriving at Turkish ports in May this year increased by 14.2 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching 169 in total. The number of cruise passengers increased by 10.8 percent in the same period, reaching 257 thousand 897.

The Rise of Kuşadası and Istanbul

The number of ships arriving at Turkish ports in the January-May 2023 period increased by 2.2 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching 324. The number of passengers increased by 3.9 percent and reached 455 thousand 580. During this period, while Kuşadası maintained its leadership, the second port hosting the most cruise ships was Istanbul. 66 cruise ships coming to Istanbul use the city not only as a port of call but also as a main port.

Investment of Cruise Companies in Istanbul

Especially large cruise companies such as MSC Cruises, Costa Crociere and AROYA Cruises have chosen Istanbul as the main port. 2023-2025-ci illərdə İstanbulu öz limanı kimi istifadə edən kruiz şirkətlərinin sayı yüzdə 50 artıb. Istanbul's strong airline connections, modern port infrastructure and tourist attraction play an important role in this choice.

Advantages of Istanbul in Cruise Tourism

It is emphasized that Istanbul has become an important center in cruise tourism thanks to its developed air transportation network and international connections. Sunorama Cruises Deputy General Manager Selami Pirçek states that Istanbul has entered the radar of cruise companies thanks to its geographical location and tourism diversity. Istanbul's location at the intersection of both Europe and Asia makes the city more attractive.

Economic Contributions and Future Expectations

The economic contribution of Istanbul thanks to cruise tourism is not limited to port revenues. The time passengers spend in the city provides significant added value to the economy through expenses such as accommodation, food and beverage, transportation and shopping. Sea Genesis Group Chairman Ahmet Yazıcı states that the economic impact of being the main port goes far beyond port revenues.

Istanbul's Future Potential

Stating that cruise companies make their voyage plans two to three years in advance, Yazıcı says that the number of companies and passengers using Istanbul as the main port will continue to increase in line with current reservations. This increase will further increase Türkiye's share in cruise tourism.

As a result, the importance of Istanbul in cruise tourism is gradually increasing. Bu vəziyyət həm turizm gəlirlərini artırır, həm də şəhərin beynəlxalq aləmdə nüfuzunu artırır. More cruise companies are expected to choose Istanbul in the future, which is considered a positive development for Türkiye's tourism industry.