Galataport Istanbul received a special award at the MAPIC 2023 Awards, held in Cannes, France, on November 29th this year. The event, gathering retail industry leaders, showcased and judged projects from around the world. Galataport Istanbul secured the top spot in the 'Best New Development Project' category. The evaluation of the category considered the projects according to their innovation through new technologies, environmental and local impact, retail mix, and architectural features that aim to increase footfall, customer satisfaction, average spend and the unique experience offered in a new shopping destination. 

Themed "The Age of Responsible Growth," the MAPIC Awards attracted 6,000 participants from 75 countries. Galataport Istanbul's success in a category evaluating projects from architectural, innovative, and shopping experience perspectives surpassed competitors from France and Poland. This success is attributed to its transformation of Istanbul's historic port, achieved through the world's first underground cruise terminal and the unique hatch system. In a short time, Galataport Istanbul has become the city's favorite meeting point, offering a lively combination of gastronomy, arts and culture, and shopping experiences. 

"Irem Yucel Kaymak, Chief Commercial Officer of Galataport Istanbul, expressed immense pride in being honored with the 'Best New Development Project' award, stating, "Galataport Istanbul stands out by transforming 1.2 km of the Bosphorus coastline, closed to access since the late 19th century, into a favorite gathering point while preserving the region's historical and cultural heritage. It incorporates many innovations in engineering and architecture, implements numerous practices to minimize environmental impacts, and offers an experience-oriented setting presenting both international brands and those reflecting the rich culture of Türkiye and Istanbul. Therefore, receiving the 'Best New Development Project' award at the MAPIC Awards is highly valuable for us." 

Innovative Approach Highlights at Galataport 

The unique hatch system at Galataport plays a pivotal role in the transformation of the coastline. When ship docks, it creates a temporary customs area, and once the ship departs, the coastline seamlessly converts back into a promenade. This innovative system is central to Galataport's design. All cruise operations take place within the world's first underground cruise terminal, spanning 29,000 square meters and connected to the temporary customs area through ramps. 

This groundbreaking approach ensures that Karaköy's unique coastline, excluding the customs area separated by hatches where the ship docks, remains accessible to guests. It has quickly become one of the city's most distinctive promenades. 

Special attention is given to reducing the project's carbon footprint. Sea water replaces cooling gases in all buildings at Galataport Istanbul, resulting in a 34% energy saving, reducing carbon emissions, and replacing harmful cooling gases contributing to climate change. With these initiatives, Galataport Istanbul became Europe's second-largest LEED Platinum certified project. 

Galataport Istanbul significantly contributes to the region and Istanbul by employing 5,000 individuals directly, 20,000 indirectly, and generating economic activity in tourism. 

Favorite Gastronomy and Shopping Neighborhood of the City 

After eight years of intense planning and development, Galataport Istanbul was realized with a total investment of $1.7 billion. Spanning 112,000 square meters, it offers a wide array of options with 230 retail and dining units to cater to every taste, with a total leasable area of 52,000 square meters. Galataport Istanbul hosts some of Türkiye’s and the world's most important retail brands, offering distinct details not found in other locations. 

By allocating 40% of its area to dining establishments, Galataport Istanbul stands out as a rich gastronomy center, boasting a brand mix comprising both local and international brands, offering guests a diverse and unique experience. Bringing together different audiences in the same space, it hosts open-to-all arts&culture events, along with two prominent art museums in Türkiye. 

Galataport Istanbul creates innovative and experience-oriented setups for visitors to spend quality time safely with their families. It introduces a new dimension to shopping with events in arts&culture, and entertainment and experience tours offered through a mobile application. It also offers opportunities for foreign tourists arriving on cruise ships to experience local brands up close. 

Welcoming nearly 30 million visitors in its first two years, Galataport Istanbul is visited by 1 out of every 4 tourists visiting the city. It is estimated that after 2023, Galataport Istanbul will host 25 million visitors annually, including 1.5 million cruise passengers and crew.