Bodrum nominated for sustainability initiative of the year
Bodrum Cruise Port, part of the Global Ports Holding network, is preparing to make a major leap on the international stage with its recent nomination for the “Sustainability Initiative of the Year” at the Seatrade Cruise Awards 2025.
This nomination comes in recognition of the social responsibility project One Day. One Ship. One Future, launched at the beginning of the 2025 cruise season in collaboration with cruise lines such as Marella Cruises. The project’s goal is to inspire younger generations and bring them closer to the maritime industry, while also raising environmental awareness. This is not merely a prestigious acknowledgment—it is a clear signal that Bodrum is aiming to be a proactive leader in shaping a more responsible cruise tourism model.
Bodrum Cruise Port
Bodrum Cruise Port
Since its debut, One Day. One Ship. One Future has stood out not as a simple promotional initiative, but as a replicable model of social responsibility already inspiring similar efforts at ports around the world. The project connects young people with the cruise and maritime sectors, offering them hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and hope. Through guided tours, workshops, and meetings with industry professionals, participants not only learn about practical aspects of working onboard or dockside, but also develop a deeper understanding of the environmental impacts of maritime activities, the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems, and the role of sustainability in tourism systems. Bodrum Cruise Port has enthusiastically invested in these experiences, firmly believing that empowering youth is the foundation of a future where growth and environmental respect can coexist.
This international recognition from the cruise industry did not happen by chance. Bodrum Cruise Port is part of a portfolio of 33 ports in 21 countries managed by Global Ports Holding, and its terminal offers comprehensive services for cruise ships, ferries to the Greek islands, and mega yachts. The 350-meter pier, modern passenger facilities, duty-free shops, travel agencies, restaurants, and cafés make the terminal both functional and appealing. Its geographic location, close to the city of Bodrum, allows for a seamless blend of accessibility, cultural heritage, and a pleasant aesthetic experience for visitors. In this synergy of infrastructure, services, and location lies the port’s ability to deliver a tourism experience that goes beyond transit to become a moment of discovery, interaction, and respect for the local territory.
Aziz Güngör, East Med Regional Director at Global Ports Holding, expressed pride in the nomination, emphasizing that the international recognition gives added momentum to the One Day. One Ship. One Future initiative. “Being shortlisted for ‘Sustainability Initiative of the Year’ confirms that our sustainability efforts are moving in the right direction. This success belongs not only to Bodrum Cruise Port, but also reflects the value our region places on cruise tourism and the future of younger generations,” said Güngör. He also thanked Marella Cruises, particularly Marella Discovery 2, for their crucial support in making the project a reality, highlighting how collaboration between ports, cruise lines, and local communities plays a vital role in making such initiatives meaningful and impactful.
Bodrum Cruise Port
Bodrum Cruise Port
Inclusivity and environmental stewardship are becoming increasingly central to how modern cruise destinations are defined. The Bodrum project not only promotes ecological awareness among youth, but also builds a concrete bridge between education, tourism, and local development. Participants are encouraged to envision careers in the maritime sector, gain insight into its processes, challenges, and opportunities, and most importantly, to recognize the tangible impact their contributions can have. Initiatives like this strengthen the connection between port and community, turning port infrastructure into more than just a transit hub—it becomes a place of cultural and educational exchange.
Bodrum Cruise Port’s nomination for the Sustainability Initiative of the Year at the Seatrade Cruise Awards is a significant milestone not only for the port itself, but for the entire cruise and maritime sector. More than a symbolic recognition, it’s a tangible opportunity to demonstrate how sustainability can become a key strategic driver of competitiveness. The adoption of sustainable practices strengthens the port’s international reputation and helps attract more conscious, responsible tourism flows—with direct benefits for local trade, artisanship, and community services.
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