World-Class Superyachts Set Their Course for Turkey

World-Class Superyachts Set Their Course for Turkey

Begüm Yachting CEO and President of the Yacht Tourism Association Begüm Doğulu evaluated the current state and future prospects of yacht tourism in Turkey during her appearance on the C Level program broadcast on CNBC-e.

Doğulu highlighted that Turkey holds a significant advantage in global yacht tourism thanks to its natural bays, long coastline, favorable climate, and high service quality. However, she noted that the sector’s growth potential is currently limited by insufficient marina capacity and regulatory challenges.

According to Doğulu, expanding marina infrastructure—especially facilities capable of accommodating mega yachts—is essential for the sector’s future development. She also stressed the importance of clearer regulations and stronger oversight mechanisms within the industry.

During the program, Doğulu also shared positive news for the Turkish yacht-building sector. The 32-meter Turkish-built and Turkish-flagged yacht Lady Luna, constructed entirely with the internal resources of Begüm Group of Companies, has been shortlisted in its category at an international competition held in Venice, often referred to as the “Oscars of boating.” She noted that the yacht has a strong chance of winning an award on May 2.

Doğulu also addressed the recent decline in the number of foreign-flagged yachts coming to Turkey for maintenance and repair services. She argued that one of the main reasons behind this decline is the uncontrolled provision of heavy technical services within marinas.

She emphasized that marinas are primarily designed to provide berthing, water, electricity, fuel, and limited minor maintenance services. Heavy maintenance, refit, engine work, and major technical operations, she said, should only be carried out in licensed shipyards.

Performing such operations in marinas, Doğulu warned, can create both environmental and safety risks. Hazardous waste such as solvents, paints, and oils require specialized facilities for safe storage and treatment, which many marinas lack. Unauthorized technical activities can also increase the risk of fires and accidents.

Discussing the global refit market, Doğulu stated that the sector represents an annual volume of approximately 25 billion dollars worldwide, with around 5 billion dollars concentrated in the Mediterranean region. Despite its strong capabilities, Turkey currently captures only a limited share of this market.

She believes that with clear regulations, proper supervision, and a structured system, Turkey could significantly increase its share in the global refit industry.

Doğulu also pointed out that Turkey’s existing marina capacity is no longer sufficient to meet current demand. With the number of Turkish yacht owners increasing rapidly in recent years, she noted that new marina investments have become inevitable.

Regarding the mega yacht segment, Doğulu emphasized that economic contribution matters more than the sheer number of vessels. She explained that recent charter license regulations have created a fairer system by ensuring that yachts operating commercially in Turkey contribute more to the local economy.

As a result, Turkey may now host fewer yachts numerically, but the vessels arriving are often larger, more prestigious, and generate greater economic value.

Doğulu also expressed support for the mooring buoy and reservation system implemented in Göcek bays. She explained that uncontrolled long-term anchoring in bays can cause environmental pollution, while marinas actually help manage waste more effectively.

“Marinas themselves do not create pollution; the lack of marinas does,” Doğulu stated, adding that areas such as Göcek should be protected even more strictly, potentially through national park status.

She concluded by outlining two key expectations from the government: incentives for new marinas capable of accommodating mega yachts and stronger regulation in the field of yacht agency services.

According to Doğulu, yacht agencies are the first point of contact for vessels entering Turkey, and therefore ensuring that qualified and professional companies operate in this field is crucial for the country’s international reputation.

Doğulu also spoke about new investments by Begüm Group of Companies, revealing that the group recently launched a fuel supply company. She emphasized that the integrated service model—combining agency services, provisioning, shipyard operations, consultancy, and fuel supply—plays a vital role in building customer trust.

Although the new fuel company has been operating for only a short time, it has already achieved sales of nearly half a million liters, with a year-end target of 15 million liters.

Doğulu concluded that with its natural beauty, sheltered bays, strong hospitality culture, and favorable climate, Turkey has the potential to become one of the world’s leading yacht tourism destinations—provided that the right investments and regulatory frameworks are implemented.