INTERVIEW / General Manager of Costa Cruises Türkiye
INTERVIEW / General Manager of Costa Cruises Türkiye: Ercan ABİTAĞAOĞLU
You are taking firm steps forward as a long-term actor in tours originating from Istanbul. What are your predictions for 2023?
The year 2023 will be the year for all people to return to their old lives after the pandemic. We think that postponed trips and plans will be implemented this year. As you know, we were deprived of new discoveries for a long time. Now it's time for dreams to come true. The cruise holiday concept, which is not new to the Turkish market, is in a rising trend in 2023. There is a significant increase in the number of ships that will visit our country this year. In addition, our capacity problem is almost non-existent.
Of course, we are curious about your ship investments for 2023. In addition, what will be your advertising investments that will support the cruise industry and your brand?
Our main goal in 2023 is to increase our service and service quality. In this context, we accelerated our investments. In addition, we aim to be an alternative in the cruise sector with new routes. As a brand, our biggest investment will be towards the satisfaction of our valued guests traveling with us. Each of our guests who disembark from our ships happily and happily is the biggest gain for us. In addition, we will continue our routine advertising activities
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Costa Venezia was the first large-scale cruise ship to dock at Turkish ports. How do you evaluate the experiences of the ship from the first day it berthed to the port for you and the passengers?
Costa Venezia suited Istanbul Galataport very well. This year, our ship cannot come to Istanbul due to its departure from the fleet. All our Turkish guests, who had this experience last year, expressed their experience in every sense with admiration. This was a development that made us very happy. After completing their holiday in a floating palace, we understand from the reservations we have received so far this year that they have made their next holiday plans on a cruise again.
What was the most appreciated service of Costa in Turkey programs of 2022? Which will be the promised star of 2023?
In 2022, we received appreciation from all markets with our food and beverage and general service quality. Especially our Turkish guests were very impressed with the quality of food and service they received on board. Our concept restaurants, which are located on our ships and offer different experience alternatives in terms of gastronomy, attracted great attention. We conquered hearts with the Michelin-starred Archipelago and Teppenyaki, the indispensable Japanese cuisine. In addition, we left unique tastes on the palate with Italian and Mediterranean cuisine dishes in our main restaurants with special presentations. We are still working on improving ourselves further and we will share new gastronomic surprises for 2023 with our guests in the summer period. And our All Inclusive pricing option, which includes beverages, was highly appreciated and demanded. Thus, our guests have completed their holidays freely and away from financial worries. In 2023, we aim to develop this concept with the additions to be made.
What are your special evaluations and predictions for the sector and brand?
Our industry is a rapidly developing and growing industry. The cruise holiday is the type of holiday that receives the highest demand increase all over the world. Because travel lovers who experience this holiday once cannot give up on this holiday. The Costa Cruises brand has completed its 75th year in 2023. With the experience of 75 years, the trust in the brand is increasing every year. This trust is also very important to us. Our primary goal is to be worthy of this supreme trust and never give up on improving ourselves. The most important item in the 5-year planning is to maximize service quality and customer satisfaction. We are working on this seriously. As in the past 75 years, we are determined not to lower the confidence and expectations placed on us in this and the following years.
