Tourexpi
Turkey’s cruise tourism sector recorded its strongest
March performance in 16 years, reflecting the global growth in cruise travel.
According to the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, a total of
41,039 cruise passengers visited Turkish ports in March 2026, marking a
year-on-year increase of 4.9 percent.
The figures were announced by Abdulkadir Uraloğlu,
Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, who highlighted the steady
rise in maritime tourism. In March alone, 26 cruise ships docked at ports
across the country.
Strong first quarter for cruise tourism
The positive March figures contributed to a solid
first quarter for the sector. Data from the General Directorate of Maritime
Affairs shows that Turkish ports received 56 cruise ships and 93,787 passengers
between January and March 2026.
The increase reflects growing global demand for cruise
travel and confirms Turkey’s position as an increasingly popular destination
within Mediterranean cruise itineraries.
Istanbul remains the leading cruise destination
Among Turkish ports, Istanbul recorded the highest
number of cruise visitors in March. The city welcomed eight ships carrying
13,307 passengers.
The Aegean resort town of Kusadasi ranked second with
seven cruise ships and 12,191 passengers. Alsancak Port in Izmir received five
ships and 9,723 visitors, while the remaining six vessels carrying 5,818
passengers docked at other regional ports.
Similar distribution in first-quarter figures
First-quarter statistics show a comparable pattern in
cruise traffic across the country. Istanbul retained the leading position with
18 ships and 35,800 passengers between January and March.
Alsancak Port in Izmir ranked second with 13 ships and
27,467 passengers, followed by Kusadasi, which hosted 17 ships and 22,682
passengers during the same period.
The figures underline the growing importance of cruise
tourism for Turkey’s coastal destinations and highlight the continued recovery
and expansion of the sector in 2026.
Image
Credit: © AA
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