Organized by ED Fuarcılık in collaboration with the Yacht and Boat Industry Association (YATED) and supported by the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), the event is sponsored by the Turkish Shipbuilders’ Association (GİSBİR). Ahead of the event, a preparatory meeting was held with key stakeholders, including YATED Chairman Murat Bekiroğlu and representatives from ED Fuarcılık and MarinTurk.
Growing Local Production
With over 50,000 visitors expected, the show will feature a wide array of luxury yachts, motorboats, catamarans, and other marine vessels. Dilek Soydan, co-founder of ED Fuarcılık, emphasized the growing prominence of locally produced boats, stating, “Around 50% of the vessels on display will be of Turkish manufacture, reflecting the increasing strength of the domestic industry.” This year’s event will include 500 vessels, both on land and water, with their combined value estimated at 15 billion TL. Soydan highlighted the show's significance in promoting local brands, which have gained international recognition.
YATED Chairman Murat Bekiroğlu addressed the industry's current challenges, including the rising costs due to fluctuating exchange rates and tightening credit conditions. "Despite these challenges, we expect a period of rapid growth starting in 2026 as inflation and interest rates stabilize, making credit more accessible," Bekiroğlu said. He also underscored the need for marina expansion, citing limited docking capacity as a barrier to further growth. YATED is pushing for investment in at least 10 new marinas to boost the industry, with a particular focus on regions like northern Antalya and southern İzmir.
Industry Challenges and Expansion
Cem Hüroğlu, Vice Chairman of YATED, highlighted Turkey's growing role in the global market, noting that the sector's exports reached $1.7 billion last year. Turkey’s boat and yacht industry also contributes significantly through maintenance and repair services. Hüroğlu pointed out that the sector's export value per kilogram is substantially higher than the national average, underscoring the industry’s high value-added nature. However, recent tax changes on vessels under 24 meters have slowed domestic sales, though Hüroğlu expressed optimism for a rebound shortly.
With more than 70,000 people directly employed in the sector and many more involved through subcontracting, the Turkish boat and yacht industry remains a vital component of the national economy. The Bosphorus Boat Show is expected to further strengthen this position, providing a major platform for both domestic and international marketing.
Bekiroğlu also stressed the urgent need for new marina investments, particularly in regions like northern Antalya and southern İzmir. He highlighted the economic potential of attracting yacht tourists, who spend significantly more than traditional tourists and emphasized the importance of maintenance and repair services. “Countries like France, Italy, and Spain have far higher docking capacities than Turkey,” he said, calling for rapid action to increase the country’s capacity.