The number of cruise passengers exceeded 2 million!

Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu provided significant data regarding cruise ship and passenger statistics. According to the data compiled by the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs, Turkey's ports have shown a significant increase in the number of cruise ships, with a 14.9 percent increase compared to the same period of the previous year in the first ten months of 2025. This situation once again highlights the driving force of our country in international maritime transport.

Minister Uraloğlu noted that the number of cruise ships reached 1,278 during this period, while the number of cruise passengers also increased by 14.4 percent, rising to 2 million 21 thousand 326. These figures indicate that we have already achieved the target of 2 million passengers set for the year 2025 in just ten months.

Additionally, Uraloğlu emphasized that the number of cruise passengers increased by 5.1 percent compared to the same month last year, highlighting the importance of the continuity of such growth. This rise in Turkey's cruise tourism is seen as a reflection of both domestic and foreign tourists' preference for our country.

Expressing the value of this momentum in the maritime sector for sea travel and tourism, Uraloğlu also conveyed the advantages that Turkey's strategic location provides for cruise tourism. The government aims to make Turkey a center for cruise tourism as a result of the investments and projects implemented in the maritime field.

In conclusion, this increase in the number of cruise ships and passengers is not only a matter of exceeding a goal set from scratch but also stands out as a situation that enhances Turkey's international competitive power in maritime transport. Minister Uraloğlu’s statements on this issue are encouraging stakeholders in the sector and attracting the interest of investors in this area.