Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu reported that Turkey’s yacht harbor capacity, which was 8,500 in 2002, has been increased by 194% through investments to 25,038.

In a written statement, Minister Uraloğlu noted that Turkey has become an important destination for domestic and foreign boats due to the rise in maritime tourism. He emphasized that infrastructure work to meet the needs for mooring and docking places for boats is being continued decisively and highlighted the increasing interest in yacht tourism in recent times. Uraloğlu drew attention to Turkey’s high potential in yacht tourism due to its geographical location, climate, and the presence of yachts in sailing routes. He stated that the need for more service points for boats visiting Turkey due to the rise in yacht tourism has emerged, and mentioned that the necessary projects have been fully supported by the ministry for the solution of the problem of berthing and mooring places for various marine vehicles in coastal cities.

Referring to the yacht investments made in the maritime sector, Uraloğlu said, “Under the vision and leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is the son of a seaman, we have covered significant distances in the maritime sector. We have increased the number of yacht harbors from 41 in 2002 to 63 with the newly opened 330-yacht capacity Izmir Yeni Foça Yacht Harbor.

We have increased the yacht harbor capacity, which was 8,500 in 2002, by 194% through the investments we have made to 25,038. We will increase our yacht harbor count to 74 and our boat docking capacity to 29,029 with the ongoing and planned constructions.” Uraloğlu underlined that work is ongoing at places with a total capacity of 2,291 boats in Dalaman and Datça in Muğla, Gazipaşa and Demre in Antalya, and the Golden Horn in Istanbul, and Tekirdağ Marina in Tekirdağ.

He used the expression, “We are continuing our plans in İzmir’s Şifne, Çeşmealtı, and Şakran, Aydıncık in Mersin, and Lapseki in Çanakkale, which will increase the total yacht harbor capacity by 1,700 more.”