Gunes Aysun on the MYBA Show: Turkey Rises in the Luxury Yacht Charter Scene

By Press Mare

01/05/2025 - 09:18

Yacht industry

Turkey is increasingly establishing itself as one of the most dynamic and promising luxury charter destinations in the Mediterranean, thanks to a unique blend of culture, hospitality, and breathtaking natural landscapes. This is affirmed by Gunes Aysun, an engineer by training and a yachting professional for nearly three decades, who runs a boutique charter and brokerage agency based in Istanbul. She is among the founders of TIBA, the Turkish International Brokers Association, and currently serves as Chair of the MYBA Charter Show Panel, following her election to the board in 2023.

We spoke with her during the latest edition of the MYBA Charter Show in Portosole, Sanremo, where she played a key role in the development of the event, for an in-depth discussion on market trends and Turkey’s growing role in Eastern Mediterranean yachting.

PressMare – Experience, digitalization, and new generations
Gunes Aysun – The charter market is evolving rapidly. Digital tools are playing an ever-larger role, because younger generations—from Millennials to Gen Z—are used to searching and comparing everything online in just a few clicks. But what they’re really looking for is not just luxury, it’s a memorable experience. And here, human connection still makes the difference.

Despite the abundance of online information, the broker’s role remains essential. A brochure alone isn’t enough. The success of a charter largely depends on the crew: many clients choose their yacht based on the captain or the chef. A broker who knows the vessel and the team onboard can make all the difference. It’s about trust and direct knowledge—something no algorithm can fully replace.

PM – Turkey, a treasure between Bodrum and Göcek
GA – Turkey has long been a top destination for chartering, especially the stretch between Bodrum and Göcek—about 140 nautical miles—which is the beating heart of our market. It offers ideal weather, excellent infrastructure, a long season, and a deeply rooted culture of hospitality. Clients always feel welcome, even in the most remote villages.

Since the pandemic, the number of yachts in the area has grown significantly, pushing mooring rates in high season close to Monaco levels. Still, demand remains strong and client satisfaction is consistently high. Those who come to Turkey usually return. It’s rare to find an unhappy client—unless there’s a major technical issue.

PM – Price range for chartering in Turkey
GA – The Turkish gulet fleet—traditional wooden motor-sailers—is the largest in the world. Prices range from around €20,000 per week for a standard vessel up to €100,000 for luxury options, always including crew and onboard services.

PM – A global clientele, focused on sustainability
GA – We’re seeing more clients from South America, the Middle East, and Asia, in addition to Americans and Europeans. And sustainability matters: from desalination systems to more responsible waste management onboard and in marinas, to protecting Posidonia and regulating anchoring in sensitive areas—those operating today must be aware of the environment they’re sailing in.

PM – Regulatory changes and increasing complexity
GA – EU regulations, non-uniform tax policies, increasingly complex contracts, data protection, and sanctions: our work is getting more complicated. But it remains vital for delivering personalized, safe, and high-quality experiences.

PM – The future: a blend of human and digital?
GA – Maybe one day chatbots will provide automated recommendations, but someone still has to input the right information. Experience, intuition, empathy—these are still human traits. And they are decisive.

Filippo Ceragioli