Galataport Istanbul receives the "Brand of Türkiye" award

In its second year of hosting visitors, Galataport Istanbul won the "Brand of Türkiye" award at the Golden Compass Awards organized by TÜHİD. Presented annually across 21 categories, the "Brand of Türkiye" award is given by evaluating projects' positive contribution to the country in terms of culture and values. Galataport Istanbul's domestic communications are managed by Hill + Knowlton Strategies, while its international communications work closely with the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA).

"Galataport Istanbul was met with great interest abroad"

Mehmet Bali, Deputy General Manager for Marketing and Communications, who received the award on behalf of Galataport Istanbul, said: "Thanks to the world's first underground cruise terminal, the unique hatch system that creates a temporary customs area when a ship is berthed and frees the shoreline once it departs, the low-rise architecture that integrates seamlessly with the city, the extensive restoration projects, and the innovative approaches in culture, art, gastronomy and shopping, Galataport Istanbul has been met with great interest abroad as well. Hosting 14 million guests a year, Galataport Istanbul has also become a destination visited by foreign heads of state, mission representatives, international press members and leading global travel professionals for site inspections, and has been widely featured on the world's leading foreign channels and publications. Galataport Istanbul received the 'Port of the Year' award at Seatrade Cruise Awards — the cruise industry's most prestigious platform — for its globally exemplary innovative approach and operational innovations, while The Peninsula Istanbul, which marked the brand's 11th global location at Galataport Istanbul, was named the world's 'Best New Hotel' in 2023 by the global agency network Virtuoso."

"Our work promoting Türkiye and Istanbul abroad has now been crowned with the Golden Compass 'Brand of Türkiye' award. Behind this success lies not only innovation and creativity but also strong teamwork with all stakeholders who joined forces to promote Türkiye. Receiving the 'Brand of Türkiye' award in the centennial year of our Republic made us very proud. We thank all jury members who deemed Galataport Istanbul worthy of this award."

Istanbul's gateway to the world by sea

Galataport Istanbul sets an example for similar investments on the international stage. As Istanbul's gateway to the world by sea, Galataport Istanbul has — through the world's first underground terminal — restored to the city a 1.2 km stretch of historic port land along the Bosphorus, which had been inaccessible since the late 19th century, while preserving its original function, cultural richness and historical heritage. Positioned as a home port, the Galataport Istanbul cruise port brings significant momentum to cruise tourism across a wide geography from the Mediterranean basin to the Black Sea, contributing meaningfully to regional and national tourism and the economy.

A neighborhood where cultures meet

Transforming the city's historic port into a lively gastronomy, culture, art and shopping neighborhood, Galataport Istanbul has — since October 2021 — become one of Istanbul's favorite meeting points. It is also the first stop for tourists arriving by cruise ship, offering an experience- and design-driven shopping pleasure along the Bosphorus, combining local flavors and world cuisines, hosting public cultural and art events, and bringing together diverse audiences in the same space with two of Türkiye's most important art museums.

Preserving historic heritage

Galataport Istanbul's historic buildings were carefully restored and returned to the city. The newly named Clock Tower Square sits at the heart of the historic Tophane Square. The Historic Tophane Clock Tower, whose history dates back to 1848, was lifted from its original position with a unique technique and restored. The Parcel Post Building (1911), the oldest building on the quay, was restored and has become one of the project's landmarks. The site's three other registered buildings — Merkez Han, Karaköy Passenger Terminal and Çinili Han — now host The Peninsula Istanbul following a meticulous restoration process.

Recognized with numerous global awards

From its construction process onwards, Galataport Istanbul has brought many important international awards to Türkiye. Honored as "Port of the Year" at Seatrade Cruise Awards for its globally exemplary innovation, Galataport Istanbul also became Türkiye's largest and Europe's second-largest LEED Platinum-certified project thanks to its sustainability work. Awarded the Environmental Responsibility Award and the "East Mediterranean Cruise Port with the Highest Commitment to the Sector During the Pandemic" award by the MedCruise Association, Galataport Istanbul also received a Red Dot design award for the world's first underground cruise terminal, inspired by underground cisterns. The Peninsula Istanbul, the 11th hotel of The Peninsula brand — which only chooses select locations worldwide — was named Virtuoso's "Best New Hotel" of 2023. Featured in leading global outlets including CNN, PBS, TIME, Time Out, Architectural Digest, WSJ, Forbes, The Telegraph, Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, Galataport Istanbul has joined the world's must-see lists.

In the coming years, Galataport Istanbul is expected to host 25 million visitors annually — 7 million of them foreign — alongside approximately 1.5 million cruise passengers (including crew).