Istanbul is preparing for a major breakthrough in tourism and maritime. Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, has been on the agenda for many years Yenikapi Cruise Port has reached an important stage in its project. This project is considered a critical step for not only Istanbul but also Turkey to reach the place it deserves in cruise tourism. Annual 2 million 700 thousand passenger capacity This new port will provide great momentum to our country's maritime sector and tourism potential.
Yenikapı Cruise Port: A New Breath to Istanbul
Planned Yenikapi Cruise Port, Spread over a huge area of 223 thousand 100 square meters and at the same time Able to serve 8 ships will have a capacity. In the port:
- 3 berths for large cruise ships,
- 3 berths for mid-sized cruise ships,
- 2 berths for boutique cruise ships It is planned.
Thanks to these regulations, daily A capacity to host 20 thousand tourists The project's EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) application was submitted by the Ministry of Transport. To the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate The port's opening will increase Istanbul's tourism revenues while also contributing to other ports on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts.
Turkey's Cruise Tourism and the Importance of Istanbul
Istanbul has been one of the important centers of maritime trade and international tourism throughout history. However, in recent years, it has not been preferred by large ships due to the lack of cruise ports. Especially Istanbul hosted 2013 cruise ships in 307, By 2017, only 4 ships was able to host.
By 2019, only 13 ships and 7 passengers This decline has negatively affected the revenues from cruise tourism not only of Istanbul but also of Izmir, Kuşadası and other ports. Galataport Cruise Port Although it has emerged as a solution in this field, it is far from meeting the demand in the sector due to its limited capacity.
Regional and Global Impacts of the Yenikapı Project
With the completion of the new port project, Istanbul is once again homeport will be included in international cruise routes. This situation:
- Kusadasi, Izmir, Bodrum and Antalya Ports such as these have become a stopping point,
- Increasing Turkey's share in cruise tourism,
- It will support regional economic development.
In addition, Yenikapı Cruise Port will enable Istanbul to come to the forefront again in the international maritime sector and increase the city's tourism potential.
Interest from Global and Local Investors
The Yenikapı Cruise Port project is not only for Turkish companies, It also attracts the attention of international investors.. Giant companies such as MSC Cruises and Global Investment Holding are preparing to participate in the tender for the project. This shows that the project has attracted the attention of not only Turkey but also the global cruise industry.
Opportunities for Izmir and Kusadasi
The Yenikapı Cruise Port starting to serve as a homeport will enable İzmir and Kuşadası ports to host more ships. Cruise tourism experts state that this port to be built in Istanbul will make a positive contribution to all ports in the region.
Conclusion and Predictions
Yenikapı Cruise Port has the potential to be a turning point in Turkey's maritime industry. Once completed, the project will be Istanbul's:
- Achieving more ship and passenger hosting capacity,
- Increase in tourism revenues,
- Strengthening connections with regional ports is expected.
These developments have an impact on Turkey's cruise tourism. become one of the leading countries It will be an important step for.
