The cruise sector is a success story for Greece, contributing €1.4 billion to the economy in 2022. CLIA has long been calling for more investment in port infrastructure and working with destinations to implement efficient planning for cruise ship berthing. This is the line of reasoning it reacted to the Prime Minister’s statements at this year’s Thessaloniki International Trade Fair.
Any increase in the existing port charge should be fit for purpose, proportionate to the specific investment needs of ports and applicable to all visitors, with the revenue reinvested directly into port operations and local communities. The cruise industry is keen to continue its close cooperation with the Greek Government to support sustainable tourism activities in the country. CLIA is hoping that any new measures imposed by the Government will be developed in close consultation with the impacted municipalities, ports and tourism stakeholders locally whose livelihoods depend on cruise tourism.
CLIA, despite its attitude of cooperation, announced the following:
- Any increase in the existing port fee should be fit for purpose, proportionate to the specific port investment needs, and apply across all visitors. It should also be introduced with sufficient advance notice. Fee revenues should be directly reinvested into port operations to ensure the benefits are felt by the local communities and visitors.
- The fee should be benchmarked against other port fees in the Mediterranean region, to ensure the Greek ports remain attractive and competitive. Port fees are also regulated by European and national legislation and should align with these principles.
- Addressing tourism management issues during the peak season in certain destinations with possible differentiation of the level of the fee, as intended by the Government.
- CLIA questions the singular focus on cruise tourism for this proposal. To truly find solutions to tourism management requires a holistic response. Cruise calls are planned years in advance, which allows for use of flow management measures. Indeed, such measures have already been implemented in coordination with local municipalities in Santorini and Mykonos, including berth management systems.
- CLIA and member cruise lines will continue to work in close cooperation with local authorities to make sure that real and impactful measures are being adopted to strengthen tourism management for a longterm sustainable tourism industry, which benefits visitors and residents alike.
- CLIA is hoping that any new measures imposed by the Government will be developed in close consultation with the impacted municipalities, ports and tourism stakeholders locally whose livelihoods depend on cruise tourism.
About the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
CLIA is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice for the industry as the leading authority of the global cruise community. On behalf of its members, affiliates and partners, the organization supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment, promoting positive travel experiences for millions of travelers who cruise annually. This year, CLIA forecasts that the annual number of passengers will reach 35.7 million passengers— surpassing 2019 levels. The CLIA community includes the world’s most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a widespread network of stakeholders, including ports and destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services; and highly trained and certified travel agent members that represent the largest network of travel professionals specializing in cruise travel.
