Wed Sep 10 16:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:
**Headline: Turkish Cruise Tourism Soars to 12-Year High, Poised for Record Year**
**Istanbul, Turkey** – Turkey’s cruise tourism sector is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, hitting a 12-year high in passenger numbers during the first seven months of 2025. According to the latest Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) report, the global cruise industry is booming with more than $168 billion economic impact, and Turkey is reaping significant benefits.
Turkish ports welcomed a staggering 1,058,752 cruise passengers between January and July, marking an impressive 18.9% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge solidifies Turkey’s growing importance as a key destination on Mediterranean cruise itineraries.
Kuşadası remains the busiest port with 516,930 passengers, followed closely by Istanbul with 301,000. Izmir and Bodrum are also seeing substantial cruise traffic, contributing to the overall positive trend.
Industry experts are optimistic that this growth will continue, predicting that Turkey will surpass its 2013 record of 2.2 million cruise tourists by the end of the year, potentially exceeding 2 million visitors.
Mehmet Kamçı, General Manager of Coral Travel Turkey, attributed the sector’s success to Turkey’s unique geographical location, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty. “Turkey has become a major cruise destination, thanks to both international cruise lines and operators like ourselves directing tourists to the region,” said Kamçı. “We are now among the primary ports of call for cruise tourism.”
This surge in cruise tourism is expected to have a significant positive impact on the Turkish economy, boosting local businesses and creating new job opportunities. The government is actively supporting the sector, investing in port infrastructure and promoting Turkey as a premier cruise destination.
First Piper 