The Charter Sector's Growing Role in Türkiye's Yachting Future by Noyan Mutlugil
Over the past decades, Türkiye has established itself as one of the world's leading charter destinations. From its extensive cruising grounds and long season to its experienced crews and growing fleet, the country has steadily strengthened its position within the global yachting industry.
Drawing on his experience leading TYBA, Noyan Mutlugil, Vice President of the Yachting & Brokers Association of Türkiye, reflects on the evolution of the Turkish charter sector and the broader impact it continues to have on maritime tourism, yacht building, employment, and international recognition. He also shares why the return of the TYBA Yacht Charter Show to Marmaris represents more than an industry event, marking an important milestone in the continued growth of Türkiye's commercial yachting sector.
Marmaris, during the 7th TYBA Charter Show, 2026
“It is with immense pride and great pleasure that we have brought the TYBA Yacht Charter Show , one of the foremost organizations representing Türkiye’s maritime vision on the international stage back to Marmaris, the very place where it was reborn after 43 years. Recognized as the world’s second oldest yacht charter show, this prestigious event is not merely a commercial gathering that unites industry professionals; it also serves as one of the most powerful global showcases for Turkish maritime tourism, yacht building excellence, and the culture of commercial yachting.
This journey, which began in Marmaris, has over the years contributed significantly to the growth, development, and international recognition of the Turkish commercial yachting sector. Today, Türkiye has become one of the world’s leading charter destinations, thanks to its breathtaking bays, extended cruising season spanning nearly the entire year, highly experienced workforce, and exceptional standards of hospitality and service. Our renewed and modernized fleet stands as one of the clearest reflections of this remarkable progress.
Turkish-flagged commercial yachts represent far more than a tourism activity; they also serve as cultural ambassadors, carrying Türkiye’s heritage, hospitality, and maritime traditions across the world. Every yacht charter operating along the Turkish coastline introduces international guests to our country’s natural beauty, gastronomy, historical treasures, and rich seafaring legacy, thereby contributing directly to the global promotion of Türkiye. The economic vitality generated by maritime tourism extends across a broad ecosystem, invigorating marinas, shipyards, supply chains, and local businesses alike.
Moreover, the continued development of the charter sector is of vital importance not only in terms of tourism revenue, but also for the education, training, and employment of young seafarers. The commercial yachting industry offers internationally recognized career opportunities for countless young maritime professionals from captains and deckhands to chefs and stewardesses. The growing reputation of Turkish seafarers within the global yachting community is a clear testament to the quality and professionalism of Türkiye’s maritime human resources.
The increased utilization of Turkish-flagged commercial yachts in charter operations also provides substantial momentum to Türkiye’s yacht building industry. In recent years, Turkish shipyards have achieved remarkable international success, positioning our country as a major global player in the construction of superyachts and custom-built vessels. The rising demand for new charter yachts stimulates domestic production, enhances our engineering and design capabilities, and further strengthens the competitiveness of the Turkish yacht building industry in the global marketplace.
Today, Türkiye is not only a destination offering unparalleled cruising routes, but also a rapidly emerging global yachting brand distinguished by its high-quality shipyards, experienced crews, and superior service standards. The expansion of our fleet through newly built and modern vessels not only supports the sustainable growth of our sector, but also demonstrates the dynamism, resilience, and strength of Turkish commercial yachting in the face of international competition.
As TYBA, our principal objective is to further advance the Turkish charter sector, increase Türkiye’s share of global maritime tourism, and establish our country as one of the world’s foremost yachting hubs. Through the international events we organize, the partnerships we cultivate, and the unwavering support we provide to our industry, we remain committed to contributing to the future of Turkish maritime tourism.
We firmly believe that this historic organization, revitalized once again in Marmaris, will mark the beginning of a new era of achievement for Turkish commercial yachting. Together with all stakeholders of our industry, we are excited to move forward toward a stronger, more prosperous, and globally influential future.”
Marmaris, during the 7th TYBA Charter Show, 2026
Join the conversation at Superyacht Summit Türkiye on 4–5 November 2026, where industry leaders will discuss the opportunities, challenges, and future direction of yachting across the Mediterranean and beyond.
