The April assembly of the IMEAK Chamber of Shipping Izmir Branch convened under chairman Yusuf Ozturk. Ozturk announced Izmir's 2026 cruise target of 1,500 ships and 2.5 million passengers, said targets will be hit, and pointed to a shortage of marinas.
Ozturk emphasized cruise tourism's rising popularity: "According to the latest data, 37 million people took a cruise globally; the expectation for this year is 40 million. Young people are now choosing cruises too; they are more affordable than flights and hotels. Between January and March, the first quarter of the year, we are observing the best three months in 16 years. The targets will easily be met in 2026."
On marine tourism, Ozturk said a decline is expected; tourist flows are softening at destinations like Cesme, Seferihisar, Karaburun and Kusadasi. "Before the war, Kusadasi was a hub for Iranians celebrating Nowruz. It used to provide a head start before the season. Unfortunately that didn't happen this year; we expect tourism to fall 20%."
Stating marina capacity is insufficient both in Izmir and across Türkiye, Ozturk reported that a marina will be built at Cesmealti. The investment will strengthen the supply chain impact of cruise and yacht traffic in the region, scaling value-added services such as bunkering, crew changes and fresh produce supply.
Key Takeaways:
1. Izmir's 2026 cruise target is 1,500 ships and 2.5 million passengers.
2. Q1 was the best three-month period in 16 years; targets are seen as easily achievable.
3. Global cruise volume hit 37M in 2025; the 2026 expectation is 40M.
4. Marine tourism is expected to fall 20% due to Iran-Türkiye tensions.
5. A new marina will be built at Cesmealti, scaling regional supply chain services.
