Government Incentive for cruise ships visiting Turkish Ports

Global Ports Holding Plc (“GPH”), the world's leading cruise port operator notes the recently announced Turkish government incentive program for cruise ships with over 100 passengers calling at Turkish ports in 2018 and 2019.

GPH operates three cruise ports in Turkey: Kuşadası, the gateway to Ephesus; Bodrum, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World; and Antalya, the new turnaround hub in East Mediterranean.

A summary of the details of the incentives available through the Turkish Cruise Tourism Incentive Pack are as follows:

  • Valid period: 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019

  • Scope: Any cruise vessel with 100 or more cruise passengers (excludes Turkish passengers)

  • Incentive to be paid to cruise lines via shorex agencies

  • Incentive range:

o Low Season (Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr/Nov/Dec): $45 per passenger
o Mid-Season (May/Jun): $35 per passenger
o High Season (Jul/Aug/Sep/Oct): $25 per passenger

  • In 2019, cruise lines making a turnaround in Turkish ports will receive an additional 50% increase on the passenger fees listed (including one-way passengers)

  • Cruise lines calling at more than one Turkish port within the same itinerary will receive the incentive at one Turkish port only