As the announcement states, the cruise industry is a success story for Greece, having contributed €1.4 billion to the Greek economy in 2022. CLIA has long advocated for increased investment in port infrastructure and collaborates with Greek destinations to implement effective berth management systems for cruise ships. Any increase in port charges should be fit for purpose, proportionate to specific port investment needs, and applicable to all visitors, with revenues reinvested directly into port operations and local communities.
The cruise industry seeks to continue its close cooperation with the Greek government to support sustainable tourism in the country. CLIA hopes that any new measures imposed by the government will be developed in close consultation with municipalities, ports, and tourism operators whose livelihoods depend on cruise tourism.
CLIA has consistently called for more investment in port infrastructure, benefiting both local communities and visitors. Any increase in port charges should be fit for purpose, proportionate to specific port investment needs, and applicable to all visitors. It should also be implemented with sufficient notice. Fee revenues should be reinvested directly into port operations to ensure a positive impact on local communities and visitors.
CLIA also emphasizes that Greek port fees should be compared with other Mediterranean ports to ensure they remain attractive and competitive. Additionally, port charges are regulated by European and national legislation, and any changes must align with these regulations.
The announcement acknowledges the government’s intent to address tourism management issues during peak seasons at specific destinations, including potential fee fluctuations. However, CLIA argues that these proposals should not focus solely on cruises. A holistic approach is required to manage tourism effectively. Cruises are planned years in advance, allowing for the implementation of visitor flow management measures. Indeed, such measures have already been adopted in coordination with the local municipalities of Santorini and Mykonos, including port management systems.
CLIA and its member cruise lines will continue to work closely with local authorities in the destinations they visit to ensure that effective measures are adopted to strengthen tourism management, fostering a sustainable tourism industry that benefits both visitors and residents, according to the release.
Finally, CLIA reiterates its hope that any new measures imposed by the government will be developed in close consultation with municipalities, ports, and tourism operators directly affected by cruise tourism.
