Blue voyage season wraps up in tourism hub Bodrum

As the summer season winds down in tourism hotspot Muğla's Bodrum, both private and commercial boats are being pulled ashore for maintenance after hosting thousands of local and foreign visitors on blue voyages, which refer to the recreational journeys along the stunning Turkish Riviera.

Around 600 commercial vessels with a bed capacity of 7,000 operated in the region this year, embarking scores of seafarers on an exquisite journey.

Every day, some 8,000 visitors from European and Middle Eastern nations took part in such blue voyages, leading to a significant boost in the local economy.

Around 200 commercial boats were also in operation on a daily basis, according to Orhan Dinç, the head of the Bodrum Chamber of Shipping (DTO).

"Bodrum has three marinas at present. Each marina is fully occupied. Boat maintenance and repairs are being carried out over the winter," he explained.

The shipyards handle the maintenance and repair of yachts that are 20 meters and longer, with the demand for such services exceeding the capacity.

"Starting after the second week of July, we can say that we are currently in the final one to two weeks of our season," Dinç noted, explaining the reason for such intense demand for the repair works of the countless boats operating in the region.

Labeling such boats "afloat luxurious hotels," Dinç claimed that they provided not only lodging but also food and beverage services during these blue voyages.

He mentioned that in addition to luxurious blue voyages, scores of visitors also enjoyed budget-friendly daily boat tours in the region during this three-month period.

"Blue cruises also offer boats suitable for every budget. When compared to other industries, this industry of blue...