Highlighting Turkey's leadership in the superyacht sector, of which Yalıkavak Marina is one of the main sponsors, and aiming to increase international sectoral cooperation Superyacht Summit Turkey November 26, 2024, kicked off in Istanbul. This special two-day event brought together leading figures in the maritime industry, investors, thought leaders, and experts, facilitating important discussions on the future of the superyacht industry.
Held annually in Istanbul Superyacht Summit Turkey, This year, it successfully concluded its first day with great interest, bringing together approximately 250 leading international experts from the sector with the aim of showcasing Turkey's strength in the maritime industry to the world. Superyacht Summit Turkey 2024, of which Yalıkavak Marina is also one of the main sponsors, began with sessions held in the magnificent atmosphere of Çırağan Palace Kempinski on November 26, 2024.
Yalıkavak Marina, Turkey's first high-capacity superyacht marina and one of the world's top 10 marinas, shared its support and contributions to the sector by participating in the Superyacht Summit Turkey 2024 as one of the main sponsors (Diamond Sponsor). Continuing its mission to serve as a role model for marinas worldwide while investing in the future, Yalıkavak Marina aims to further advance Turkey's global success in the maritime sector.
The panels organized as part of the event addressed the most current topics in the maritime sector. This year's sessions featured influential figures in the industry as speakers, including Begüm Doğulu from the Yacht Tourism Association, Deniz Akaltan, Marina Director at Yalıkavak Marina, Efe Ülken from the Antalya Free Zone Business Association, and Yıldırım Demir from Jetcraft. The panel discussed important topics such as performance evaluations in the superyacht sector in 2024, prominent trends, environmental sustainability, and sectoral business models.
On the first day of the event, panels held at Çırağan Palace Kempinski addressed topics such as sustainability, innovation, and international collaborations. Yalıkavak Marina, Marina Director Deniz Akaltan, responded to questions posed by the moderators during the panel: “How did your segment perform this year? What were the notable trends shaping your segment?”, “What are the most significant challenges your segment faces, and what new opportunities are worth exploring?”, and “How did the Russian market or its impact change in 2024? How do you expect this impact to evolve over the next 3-5 years?”.
Yalıkavak Marina Director Deniz Akaltan emphasized in his speech at the panel that Turkey is one of the most attractive destinations in the world for superyacht tourism and stated that Yalıkavak Marina is at the heart of this success.
When evaluating the sector's performance, Akaltan highlighted the rising importance of electric and hybrid yachts, noting that this trend is transforming marina infrastructure investments and accelerating the transition to environmentally friendly technologies. He also added that the growing demand for luxury and personalized services is encouraging new business models in the sector. Stating that environmental sustainability is one of the challenges faced by the sector, Akaltan said, “Greater importance must be given to waste management, energy efficiency, and sustainability certification for the sake of protecting the marine ecosystem. Marinas must prioritize eco-friendly practices by updating their infrastructure.”.
Deniz Akaltan pointed out that Turkey's strategic location offers unique opportunities not only during the summer months but throughout the year, stating, “Yalıkavak Marina shines like a jewel in the eastern Mediterranean.” He noted that Yalıkavak Marina, located on the eastern coast of the Aegean, is an indispensable destination for superyacht owners, sailing and yachting enthusiasts during the summer months, while in the low season it offers the opportunity to explore different countries just a few hours away. He emphasized that these features are expected to make Turkey one of the leading centers for superyacht tourism in the next 3-5 years.
Akaltan stated that Yalıkavak Marina offers its guests a unique experience with its luxury restaurants, exclusive hotels, and personalized service approach, adding, “These luxury experiences will not be limited to one location but will spread across the Aegean and Mediterranean regions over the next three to five years. Turkey is ready to reach a higher level in tourism,” highlighting our country's potential in tourism.
Finally, he noted that the privileges offered by Yalıkavak Marina continue to make Turkey a unique destination for superyacht tourism. Akaltan said that these achievements have had a significant impact both regionally and internationally.
At the end of his speech, Akaltan also offered advice to young professionals, stating that those passionate about the industry must remain open to continuous learning, understand maritime culture, and constantly develop themselves. He concluded his speech by saying, “Working in this field is more than a profession; it is a way of life.”.
The second day of the event will continue with masterclass sessions held at 2Plan Terminal on November 27. Following these sessions, which will cover various topics such as crypto assets, automobiles, and sustainability, Superyacht Summit Turkey 2024 will conclude with a VIP Bosphorus tour aboard the 71-year-old classic yacht Halas 71.
The networking events on the second day of Superyacht Summit Turkey 2024 will be held at Halas 71, where participants will have the opportunity to strengthen their business partnerships by establishing one-on-one connections with other professionals in the maritime industry.
SSuperyacht Summit Turkey 2024, presents a significant opportunity to strengthen Turkey's potential in the yachting sector on the international stage. Alongside Yalıkavak Marina, Begüm Yachting is also among the main sponsors of the event, which serves as a unique platform for discovering innovation and collaborations within the sector. Supported by prestigious brands in the field, the summit stands out as an important step in showcasing Turkey's maritime strength to the world.
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