According to Captain Emrah Yılmaz Çavuşoğlu, Chairman of Camelot Maritime, the victory written in Çanakkale was not only a military achievement but also a defining moment that shaped Turkey’s perspective on the seas. The country’s recent rise in cruise tourism, he says, represents a continuation of that historical maritime vision.
Cruise tourism reaches a 12-year high
Turkey’s maritime tourism sector has been gaining strong momentum in recent years, particularly in cruise travel.
Data from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Turkey show that the country welcomed more than 2.1 million cruise passengers in 2025, marking the highest level recorded in the past 12 years. During the same period, 1,375 cruise ships called at Turkish ports, while passenger numbers increased by roughly 13% compared with the previous year.
Among Turkey’s cruise destinations, Kuşadası ranked as the busiest port, hosting approximately 995,000 passengers, followed by Istanbul and Bodrum.
Industry projections suggest that this growth will continue. Turkey’s cruise sector is targeting 3 million passengers in 2026, further strengthening the country’s role in Mediterranean and Black Sea cruise itineraries.
“Maritime tourism has become a strategic sector”
Çavuşoğlu emphasized that cruise tourism should be seen not only as a tourism activity but also as an economic driver for port cities.
“Maritime tourism is no longer limited to the summer season,” he said. “Cruise travel revitalizes port city economies, supports local businesses and helps spread tourism throughout the year. Turkey’s cultural heritage, historical sites and unique coastline offer a powerful potential in this field.”
He also noted that Turkey has re-established itself in international cruise routes in recent years and is becoming an increasingly important destination in the Mediterranean basin.
Atatürk’s maritime vision lives on
The importance of maritime development for the Turkish Republic was emphasized early on by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who famously stated: “We must consider seafaring as the great national ideal of the Turkish nation and achieve it in a short time.”
According to Çavuşoğlu, today’s growth in cruise tourism reflects this vision. The struggle fought at Çanakkale not only secured a military victory but also transformed the country’s understanding of the strategic importance of the seas.
A global opportunity for Turkey
With a coastline exceeding 8,000 kilometers, a growing port infrastructure and a rich collection of historical destinations, Turkey holds significant advantages for the global cruise market.
“Through the right investments, stronger port infrastructure and international cooperation, Turkey can achieve a much more powerful position in cruise tourism,” Çavuşoğlu said. “For the sector, 2026 will not only be a year of growth but also a year of transformation.”
Marking the anniversary of the Gallipoli victory, he concluded that the historic battle continues to remind the country that the seas are vital not only for defense but also for economic development and national prosperity—a legacy now shaping Turkey’s rising maritime tourism industry.
