Mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Tunç SoyerAnother good news came after the cruise ships coming to the city after years of work, bilateral meetings and connections following the appointment of . Izmir Metropolitan Municipality took another important step to increase the cruise tourism potential of the city and became a member of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Thanks to the membership, Izmir joined the networks of cruise companies, ports and destinations that are decision-makers in cruise tourism.
Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor stated that they have taken many important steps to make Izmir a world city in tourism and that they have started to reap the fruits of their work. Tunç Soyer; “After 6 years, we enabled cruise ships to come to the city again and became a member of international networks such as the International Sustainable Tourism Council and the World Tourism Cities Federation. We made our city known to the world with the international events we hosted and the awards we received in the field of tourism. Now we are taking another important step. "Our membership in the International Cruise Lines Association will make Izmir's star shine even brighter in the field of tourism," he said.
CLIA serves 30 million passengers annually
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry trade association, representing North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Southeast Asian Islands. It continues to grow and provide services with travel agencies, global cruise companies and marketing subsidiaries every year. CLIA, of which more than 55 cruise lines are members, represents 95 percent of global passenger capacity. With more than 350 managing partners who are key suppliers and partners to cruise companies, CLIA plays a key role in the successful operation of cruise lines, including ports and destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services. CLIA serves 30 million passengers annually.
What has been done for cruise tourism?
Izmir Metropolitan Municipality held welcoming and farewell ceremonies with band and zeybeks at Izmir Port within the first 3 months of the cruise ships' arrival in Izmir. Provincial Culture and Tourism Directorate and Metropolitan Tourism Branch Directorate personnel worked at the Tourism Information Office located in Izmir Port and distributed city maps and informative brochures to tourists.
Necessary arrangements were made for the walking routes for the city, and brochures of the walking routes (in English and German) were prepared and offered to tourists free of charge. Free internet service was provided at the port.
In cooperation with the tourism police teams and tradesmen chambers established within the municipality, hawker activities in the port area were prevented.
With these works, 2022 cruise ships and 29 thousand 47 tourists came to Izmir Port in 424, and 2023 cruise ships and 31 thousand 38 tourists in 494. 2024 cruise lines have been booked for 72.
