A prominent columnist for the Turkish daily Hürriyet, Fatih Çekirge, has raised concerns about the future of Turkey’s marine tourism sector. He warns that growing numbers of Turkish yacht owners are abandoning Turkish marinas in favor of Greek islands.
Publishing a photo of a crowded Greek harbor almost entirely filled with boats flying Turkish flags, the Hürriyet columnist described the image as concrete proof of the trend he had previously highlighted.
According to him, strict regulations (including controls on alcohol consumption even at anchor), pollution along Turkish coastlines, and excessively high prices at seaside restaurants are pushing Turkish boaters toward destinations such as Leros, Kalymnos, Kos, Symi, Nisyros, and Samos.
Social media posts by Turkish yacht owners further illustrate the shift. Many report that even the bays around Greek islands are packed with Turkish-flagged vessels, advising others to arrive early because there is often no space left to anchor.
“Food is Cheaper in Greece”
Çekirge points to cost as a major factor. He notes that a meal costing around €100 in Rhodes can reach €300–500 in popular Turkish resorts like Bodrum. This price disparity, combined with other issues, is making Greek islands far more attractive for Turkish boaters.
The Hürriyet columnist also observes that foreign tourists are increasingly choosing Greece, Italy, and Spain, while Egypt is gaining ground as a destination. Turkey, he argues, now relies heavily on the Russian market, with arrivals from Iran impacted by regional developments.
Despite Turkey’s overall success in meeting tourism revenue targets in recent years, Çekirge highlights signs of worry in key coastal areas such as Marmaris, Fethiye, and especially Bodrum.
He urges authorities to address these challenges promptly to prevent further damage to the country’s marine tourism industry, viewing the sight of Turkish yachts dominating Greek harbors as a clear warning signal.
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