The sailing industry forms a large and important part of the travel economy on the southern coast of Turkey. The towns of Bodrum, Dalaman, Marmaris and Antalya are all dependent on the trade generated by large cruise ships, coastal cruise companies and private yacht owners. Supporting and developing this part of the travel sector has been a compromise between conservation and improving facilities. One company that has been responsible for two recent marina developments is about to start a third new project in the port of Dalaman.

The Dogus Tourism Group was successful in being awarded 3 contracts for build-operate-transfer schemes for marinas on the cost. These development projects are typical in Turkey, where companies are contracted to design, construct and operate a facility like a new marina or airport for a specified period of time, before handing it back to the state authorities. In 2003 the company completed the construction of the Turgutreis Marina close to Bodrum with a capacity of 550 moorings and since 2006 has been working to complete the 3 year construction of a new marina on the Didim Peninsula. This new marina will have a capacity for over 600 yachts and was set to open in May 2009.

With that project now completed the company will turn its attentions to Dalaman where it will start work on a third marina with a bigger capacity for 650 yachts and 5 ocean liners. The tourist authorities are attempting to raise the profile of the area which competes with Rhodes for marine business. Rhodes currently offers a choice of 7 marinas for yachts.

The new marina together with other developments sympathetic to the beautiful coastline and the proximity of the international airport are all expected to increase the attractiveness of Dalaman as a holiday destination.