TURKEY MAKES WAVES IN CRUISE TOURISM DURING TOURISM WEEK
Cruise Tourism in Turkey Sees Unstoppable Growth in Q1 2025
As global interest in cruise tourism continues to rise, Turkey is making remarkable strides in the sector. During Tourism Week, the role of cruise tourism in boosting Turkey’s economy and international visibility takes center stage — with the first quarter of 2025 already setting new records in passenger and ship numbers.
Emrah Yılmaz Çavuşoğlu, Chairman of Camelot Maritime, emphasized that the upward trend in cruise tourism is far from seasonal, sharing insights into the sector’s growth, upcoming investments, and newly added routes.
📈 Record-Breaking Start to 2025
The first quarter of 2025 has marked a turning point for Turkish cruise tourism. According to Çavuşoğlu, cruise ship traffic surged by 220% in February compared to the same month last year, reaching 16 ships. Cruise passenger numbers skyrocketed by an astonishing 509.3%, climbing to 29,826 travelers.
In 2024, Turkey welcomed 1,889,426 cruise passengers. Camelot Maritime now targets over 2.5 million cruise passengers by the end of 2025.
🌍 Expanding Horizons: New Routes to the Greek Islands & Egypt
Responding to increasing passenger demand, Camelot Maritime has expanded its itinerary to include new destinations such as the Greek Islands and Egypt starting in 2025. “We aim to offer our guests a richer cultural experience through a diverse range of historical and scenic destinations,” said Çavuşoğlu, adding that interest in the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean regions continues to grow rapidly.
The Sochi-origin routes have also seen a significant surge in popularity. These journeys have become hotspots not only for Russian tourists, but also for travelers from Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
💡 Investment-Driven Approach for 2025 and 2026
While Turkey holds immense potential in cruise tourism, Çavuşoğlu pointed out that the sector is still evolving and has not yet reached its full potential. Emphasizing the need for year-round operations, especially during winter months, and the revival of Black Sea cruise routes, he also stressed the importance of stronger international marketing.
With interest rates beginning to drop, Çavuşoğlu foresees increased investment activity in 2025 and 2026. Camelot Maritime plans to prioritize investments that enhance customer experience and open new cruise routes.
🧭 Turkey’s Goal: To Become the Hub of Cruise Tourism
With its strategic location and rich cultural heritage, Turkey is uniquely positioned to become a central hub for cruise tourism in the Mediterranean. Modern ports like Galataport Istanbul, along with historically vibrant ones like Kuşadası, play a pivotal role in this growth.
Camelot Maritime continues to work closely with industry partners to elevate Turkey’s presence in global cruise tourism. Highlighting the importance of hosting more events in port cities to encourage longer tourist stays, Çavuşoğlu reaffirmed their commitment to turning Turkey into the cruise capital of the Mediterranean.
“By focusing on customer satisfaction and innovative services, we will continue to strengthen our position in the global market,” he concluded.
