Turkey enhances yacht tourism facilities through new marina developments
Turkey is making significant strides in enhancing its yacht tourism industry, with ongoing projects and the completion of marinas such as Mersin Aydıncık, Datça, Tekirdağ, and Istanbul Haliç set to further increase capacity and improve regional accessibility.
The Mersin Aydıncık Marina, expected to complete its infrastructure phase this year, will inject fresh energy into local tourism, according to Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu. The marina's development will be facilitated through a public-private partnership, with upper-level facilities to follow.
This expansion forms part of Turkey's ambitious plan to establish itself as a premier international yacht tourism destination, particularly along the Turquoise Coast and other key coastal areas like Antalya and Muğla, which already boast luxury marinas and extensive yacht services.
The growth in infrastructure coincides with a rising trend in cruise ship visits, with passenger numbers increasing over 20% annually. In the first half of 2025, Turkey recorded 490 cruise ship calls and 732,302 passengers, up 18% and 27.5% respectively compared to the same period in 2024. By the end of 2025, cruise passenger numbers are projected to exceed 2 million.
Turkey's favourable long sailing season (April to October) and diverse cruising regions on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts contribute to its appeal for yacht tourism. The combination of upgraded marina facilities, expanding berth capacity, and attractive sailing conditions supports the upward trend in yacht tourism observed in recent years.
The country's yacht port count has increased from 41 in 2002 to 64 by 2025, with new facilities in various regions such as Yalova, Seferihisar, Çeşme, Didim, Mersin, and Kaş. Notably, the Demre Marina, inaugurated in Turkey, adds 700 berths to the country's maritime infrastructure.
In Antalya, the government has previously launched marinas in Alanya, Kaş, and Gazipaşa. The national yacht mooring capacity of Turkey has increased to nearly 26,000 due to the addition of the Demre Marina, but no further increases have been mentioned in this context.
Minister Uraloglu emphasized Turkey's momentum in cruise tourism, positioning the country as a leading destination for international yacht tourism. With its expanding marina infrastructure and attractive sailing conditions, Turkey is poised to continue its growth in the yacht tourism sector.
Home-and-garden enthusiasts might take inspiration from the architectural designs of the upper-level facilities planned for the Mersin Aydıncık Marina, reflecting the country's advancements in yacht tourism. general-news outlets could cover Turkey's success in enhancing its lifestyle industry by focusing on its ambitious plans to boost its yacht tourism destinations, particularly for travelers exploring the Turquoise Coast and other coastal areas.
