Minister Karaismailoğlu noted that there has been a significant increase in both the number of incoming ships and the number of tourists. Recalling that 45,362 passengers arrived in Turkey with 78 cruise ships in 2021, Karaismailoğlu stated that the number of cruise ships increased 12 times to 991 in 2022, and the number of passengers increased 22 times in the same period, exceeding 1 million 6 thousand.

Noting that in October alone, more cruise ships docked at Turkish ports than in 2021, Karaismailoğlu claimed that 206,484 passengers were accommodated on 155 cruise ships in October, with the highest number of passengers for the year being reached in the month in question.

MOST OF THE VESSELS DOCKED IN KUŞADASI

Karaismailoğlu announced that Kuşadası was the port that received the most cruise ships with 464 ships and 493,834 passengers last year, 143 ships approached Galataport, which was chosen as the port of the year, and 220,822 passengers were received. Stating that Bodrum port ranks third with 98 ships and 95,462 cruise passengers, Karaismailoğlu stated that Sinop, Amasra and Trabzon also attract attention in cruise tourism.

AMARA AND ÜNYE HOSTED FOR THE FIRST TIME

Noting that the ports of Amasra and Ünye started hosting cruise ships for the first time, Karaismailoğlu said, “In 2022, a total of 7,906 passengers arrived in Sinop with 14 cruise ships. While 8 ships docked at the port of Amasra, we received 4,905 passengers. 4 thousand 747 cruise tourists came to Trabzon with 8 ships. (AA)