Ground and sea studies to construct a cruise and a yacht port in the world-famous tourist city of Antalya are underway. According to a written statement by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, the city, which is already a center of tourism due to its historic and natural beauties, will become one of the most important spots for cruise tourism once the port has been constructed.The statement indicates that the Cruise and Yacht Port project is one of the "visionary" projects that Antalya Metropolitan Mayor Menderes Türel wants to bring to the city. Within the framework of standards set by the Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications Ministry, ground and sea exploration studies are being carried out at the west end of Lara's Birlik Beach where the port will be built.The studies, conducted in accordance with a settlement plan, do not negatively affect nature or the environment. Technical reports and detailed results of the studies will be analyzed by the Environment and Urban Planning Ministry. The port project will be actualized through the cooperation of the said ministries and the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality. The port will be able to harbor large passenger ships near the city center, leading to a boom in tourism in the city.The port will have the capacity to harbor an impressive number of passenger ships: two 345-meter ships, one 150-meter ship and four 100-meter cruise vessels along with 426 yachts. Thousands of tourists are expected to arrive in Antalya by sea, bringing an invigorating wave of tourism.