Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum 2019: Greece expects 7.5% rise in port calls this season

The 2019 Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum (PSTF) is ready to welcome senior executives of the global cruise and yachting sectors for two days of thought-provoking debates on the growth drivers and trends that are currently shaping the industry’s future in the East Med and Black Sea regions.
A wave of recent developments that are positively impacting on the growth of sea tourism in the East Med will be highlighted at a total of 11 panel discussions and workshops scheduled during the two days of the knowledge-exchange Forum. Among the main topics, the return of Turkish ports in major cruise line itineraries and the berth capacity increase in the East Med, including the return of Disney Cruise Line. These are some of the factors that are driving growth in the region, as evidenced by the expected 7.5% increase of calls in Greek ports this season, according to figures provided by the Union of Greek Cruise Ship Owners and Associated Members (EEKFN).
According to Theodore Vokos, Managing Director, Posidonia Exhibitions SA: “Greece’s growing status as a world class cruise destination is also among the topics to be discussed by some fifty experts from the international cruise and yachting sectors. They will be sharing their thoughts on a variety of issues, including the impending Greek port privatisations and the strategic benefits from the promising gradual stabilization of regional geopolitical hotspots.”
Other topics to be tabled during the Forum include the prospects of cruising in the East Med, partnerships between ships, ports and destinations for sustainable tourism, the region’s potential to offer year-round cruise products and the overall impact from the dramatic growth of mainstream cruise ship sizes.
CLIA Europe and MedCruise will also host high profile industry meetings at the Posidonia Forum, which is expected to attract over 600 delegates and exhibitors from over 20 countries.
During the event, to be held on May 28-29 at Athens’ Domotel Kastri Convention Center, executives from MSC Cruises, Carnival Group, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Holland America Group, Silversea Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Fred Olsen Cruise Line and Celestyal Cruises will add their voices, views and opinions, as well as interact and network with representatives of regional ports and destinations.
In addition, at a workshop organised by the Hellenic Marine Equipment Manufacturers and Exporters (HEMEXPO), purchasing and technical managers from Royal Caribbean Cruises and Silversea Cruises will discuss the sector’s procurement procedures with Greek marine equipment manufacturers that are interested in becoming suppliers to the cruise industry.
The importance of developing the cruise market in Greece will be presented by MSC Cruises during the travel agent workshops taking place under the auspices of FedHATTA.
The Secretary General of Ports, Ports Policy and Maritime Investments Mr. Christos Lambridis, representing the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Mr. Fotis Kouvelis, said the following: “The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy is very supportive of the fact that Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum 2019 will examine, among other things, measures to be taken by the cruise industry to conform with new environmental regulations and the use of alternative fuels. Our Ministry's political leadership stands firm on the position that sea tourism should develop within the established legal frameworks that protect maritime labor and the integrity of the marine environment.”
The Secretary General for Tourism Policy and Development in the Greek Ministry of Tourism, Mr George Tziallas, said: “Sea Tourism has been at the center of our development strategy and our plans for the years to come aim at improving and upgrading infrastructure in marinas, as well as in cruise ports and home ports. We issued the first ever Presidential Decrees in Greece, (concerning Chios, Alimos and Pylos), that enable us to obtain approvals for the development of mid and large sized marinas in areas protected by special planning restrictions. Our crisis management tactics in previous years and our strategic actions enabled the containment of our cruise volume share, in spite of regional geopolitical developments and their negative effects on the international cruise industry’s East Mediterranean exposure.”
The President of Union of Greek Cruise Ship Owners and Associated Members, Mr. Theodoros Kontes, commented: “Our current target is to extend the cruising season and our efforts have already begun. The ultimate goal is to establish year-round operations, but to achieve this we need cooperation from both the ports and the state so as to improve infrastructure for safer cruise calls and develop more competitive policies on cost and services. Cruise & Stay and Short Cruise programs more widely spread in varied areas and using as hubs ports other than Piraeus, such as Corfu, Rhodes, Heraklion and even Alexandroupoli or Kavala, would be a step in the right direction.”
Maria Deligianni, Government & Public Affairs Representative Eastern Mediterranean, CLIA Europe, said: “The economic benefits generated from the cruise industry are enormous. Based on data provided by CLIA, Greece received about 4 million passenger visits in 2017, yielding about 0.5 billion in national revenue. Cruise passenger consumption is on a steady rise and according to the Bank of Greece it has reached €65 per transit passenger and double, at €139, per homeporting passenger.”
Yachting is also on the agenda once again with a focus on Marinas, the continuing process for successful privatisations, their special infrastructure and legislative issues. Another highly significant topic to be broached is the state of the region’s yacht building, maintenance and repair industry.
The event is also making an active contribution to the promotion of the sector’s career opportunities and employability potential for the new generation. The organisers Posidonia Exhibitions S.A. have once again teamed up with Young Executives Shipping (YES) Forum. In addition, at the Blue Growth event, young entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to present their business plans to attract investments for their start-ups. Blue Growth is an organisation that promotes business ideas relating to the local sea and aquatic resources through an environmental and economic approach.
The 5th Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum is organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy and is supported by the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, CLIA Europe, the Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports (MEDCRUISE), the Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners Association, the Greek Marinas Association, the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies, the Union of Cruise Ship Owners & Associated Members, the Federation of Hellenic Associations of Tourist and Travel Agencies (fedHATTA). Gold Sponsor is the Greek National Tourism Organisation. Silver sponsors are the Piraeus Port Authority, HEMEXPO and the Thessaloniki Port Authority and Bronze Sponsors are Air France – KLM, Aktina Travel Group, Celestyal Cruises, Global Ports Holding and Intercruises Shoreside and Port Services.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
- 1) Sinking averted: Grounded luxury yacht safely anchored in Greek island of Mykonos (videos)
- 2) Greek government spokesperson announced reopening of Corinth Canal from Monday
- 3) Greek Prime Minister to visit Corinth Canal in Peloponnese on Friday
- 4) Corinth Canal to reopen to shipping in Greece during July
09/08 21:16
IATA launches AVSEC Insight Platform to assist managing business security risks
09/08 21:04
Dominican Republic among UNWTO members recording strong tourism rebound
09/08 21:00
Greek Culture Ministry's project for the protection of the medieval city of Rhodes
09/08 18:08
Greece records 100,421 new Covid-19 cases and 314 fatalities for August 1-7
09/08 16:12
Archbishop of America: Greek-Americans to fund reconstruction of Balikli hospital
08/08 14:12
Greek Tourism Minister: This year sector proved that is Greece's heavy industry
07/08 13:57
28 lighthouses to open for the public in Greece on August 21
04/08 14:16
Protection and recording of rare biodiversity of 20 archaeological sites in Greece
03/08 23:18
Restoration works to historic Syntagma square of Athens almost completed
03/08 23:10
Greek Tourism Minister meets Ambassadors of Sweden and Norway
03/08 19:13
Greek Prime Minister says record tourism money can’t buffer country’s economic slide
03/08 14:07
Samos Young Artists Festival at Pythagorio Ancient Theatre on August 7-13
03/08 13:21
Greece offers Saudi Prince royal treatment: 350 limos and Athens Acropolis tour
02/08 23:26
Greece records 122,230 new Covid-19 cases and 355 fatalities on July 25-31
02/08 09:50
British Museum offers only to loan Athens Parthenon marbles to Greece
02/08 09:37
UNWTO: Global tourism consolidates strong recovery amidst growing challenges
02/08 09:29
Culture Minister: At least 16,000 people visit Athens Acropolis daily this summer
01/08 20:54
Medical Tourism: Personal Doctor platform opens in Greece on Monday
01/08 09:47
Undated wreck of exploded ship found off Kythnos island in Greece
29/07 14:02
Spain imposes minimum spending for Non-European Union tourists
29/07 00:38
Greek government announces subsidy programme for purchase of e-vehicles
28/07 23:32
Media: Electric aircraft to revolutionize travel and protect ecosystem in Greece (video)
28/07 19:23
Impressive copy of Aphrodite of Milos statue revealed on the Greek Island
28/07 18:40
Greek island of Corfu hosts Prince Edward and British royals
28/07 17:20
German Foreign Minister: Greece one of our closest partners in Europe
28/07 12:28
7th International Documentary Film Festival 2022 'Beyond Borders' on Castellorizo island
28/07 11:49
10th consequent Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for Athens Walking Tours
28/07 00:46
UNWTO sets out shared goals and opportunities for sector in Paraguay
28/07 00:26
IATA: States progress towards long term aspirational goal on aviation emissions
28/07 00:15
Sinking averted: Grounded luxury yacht safely anchored in Greek island of Mykonos (videos)
28/07 00:13
Greece and Saudi Arabia ink 16 business deals in Athens on Wednesday
28/07 00:02
Bank of Greece: Higher tourism receipts in 2022 to lead to improved economic growth
27/07 23:48
Travel Market Report: Why shoulder season is the next big tourist trend
27/07 14:20
Fewer asylum seekers but more refugee arrivals up in Greece during June 2022
27/07 00:08
26/07 17:18
Greece records 136,077 new Covid-19 cases and for July 18-24
26/07 15:23
Signing of business deals between Greek and Saudi companies on Wednesday
25/07 21:15
Special climate envoy addresses meeting on 'Our Ocean - Greece 2024' in Athens
25/07 17:08
Athens metro stations to close on selected dates this summer
25/07 15:50
Authentic Marathon Swim | Swimmers from 14 countries supported North Evia
25/07 14:23
Wildfires contained on the Greek island of Lesvos and Ilia prefecture
23/07 00:43
International Air Transport Association issues statement on Dublin Airport charges
23/07 00:09
'Saristra' festival returns to the Greek island of Kefalonia on July 29-31
22/07 21:58
Four-month-old roe deer, named 'Emilios' rescued in Xanthi of Northern Greece
22/07 19:53
Media: Furor in Greece over plan invading protected environmental Natura sites
22/07 15:49
22/07 15:06
Greece's Thessaloniki Urban Transport staff continue mobilisations during August
21/07 21:53
21/07 20:50
21/07 19:40
Media report: Greece rakes in tax and tourist receipts but won’t cut food tax
21/07 18:33
Minister: Duration of Greek passports doubled from five years to ten
21/07 17:44
Greek government adopts 12 measures for fire-stricken households and firms
20/07 23:11
Cyprus Agriculture Minister welcomes win-win deal on halloumi cheese
20/07 19:26
European Union sanctions against Russia push Greece’s fur business toward end
20/07 19:22
AP: Fire subsides in Penteli but reaches people’s yards in Megara of Greece (video)
20/07 17:22
Molecular tests against COVID-19 to record possible mutation at five Greek airports
20/07 14:07
Bus routes changed due to destructive fires in Attica Region
20/07 10:34
Sick air traffic controller draws attention to shortages at smaller airports in Greece
19/07 21:02
Dozens of international celebrities choose Greece again for vacations this year (video)
19/07 19:22
Medical Tourism: Greek parliament approves assistive reproduction bill
19/07 18:21
Greece records 148,435 new Covid-19 cases between July 11-17
19/07 18:13
Organic olives and olive oil from Sparta in Greece studied by American universities
19/07 16:17
US Ambassador to Athens visits Greek village of Diplatanos Thermou
18/07 09:39
Very high risk of fire again on Monday in five Greek regions including Attica
17/07 21:48
Prime Minister: Greece and France stand united against global climate crisis
16/07 13:25
Government: Greece in 12 countries worldwide with full legal equality of women and men
16/07 13:01
IATA: Canadian government urgently needs to remove COVID-19 travel restrictions
16/07 11:34
Greek FinMin pressures banks and servicers for more private debt settlement deals
16/07 10:21
Tourist swept out to sea in Northern Greece saved by holding beachball
15/07 22:35
Village of Melabes in Rethimno of Greece evacuated as widlfire approaches
15/07 21:35
Tourism statistics inform United Nations reports on sustainable development
14/07 23:20
IATA: Premature return to pre-pandemic slot rules risks prolonged disruption
14/07 21:42
"Wolf of Wall Street" Jordan Belfort parties in Greek island of Mykonos
14/07 14:14
14/07 00:12
Thousands of olive trees donated to restore groves of Ancient Olympia in Greece
13/07 20:14
13/07 20:05
Young tourists surprised to meet Greek Prime Minister at Athens International Airport
13/07 16:51
High risk of fire forecast in five Greek regions on Thursday
13/07 14:30
13/07 11:43
OAG survey: U.S. travel demand remains strong for 2022 despite inflation
13/07 09:55
Greek Minister discusses natural gas contingency plan with US Ambassador
12/07 22:37
12/07 21:50
Greece records 13,623 new Covid-19 cases per 1 million people in July 4-10
12/07 21:00
Greek parliament approves amendment to cap profit margins in home appliances
12/07 00:20
UNWTO: Advancing safe mobility for stronger travel sector recovery
11/07 21:32
American ethnomusicologist Christopher C. King receives honorary Greek citizenship
11/07 21:15
11/07 15:19
The first Japanese park of the Greek capital of Athens opens its gates
10/07 21:28
Chinese head of OLP: Piraeus port a significant international hub in all areas of activities
10/07 19:35
Greece records 13,306 new Covid-19 cases and 28 fatalities on Sunday
10/07 18:32
Media report: “Most contagious” COVID-19 wave sweeping across Greece
10/07 16:23
AP report: On Greece’s Santorini, 13 cloistered nuns pray for Mankind
10/07 14:18
08/07 22:53
08/07 22:42
UNWTO chief: Young people must be active participants in tourism sector restart
08/07 00:24
Global air cargo buoyed by easing of Omicron restrictions in China during May
07/07 17:51
18,297 Covid-19 cases and 28 fatalities recorded in Greece infections on Thursday
07/07 15:43
Severe weather forecast issued for Friday and Saturday in parts of Greece
06/07 17:25
Culinary festival 'Taste of Athens' opens its doors on Thursday
05/07 17:29
Peace and international solidarity marked as first Global Youth Tourism Summit ends
Greek "Son of Sofia" film wins top prize at Tribeca Film Festival
WATG 2017 forecast: the four top travel and hospitality trends to watch
Minister: Greek government to present new primary residence protection scheme
Greek President calls from Yerevan on Turkey to recognize Armenian genocide
WTTC presents first global safety stamp for 'Safe Travels' protocols around the world
Hellenic Parliament votes “yes” on vote for Greeks living abroad
Record number of applications for Drama short film festival in Greece
International Air Transport Association adds ‘Quote and Book’ function to its net rates
Travel report: The beauty of Loutro fishing village in southern Crete
Civil Aviation Authority: Domestic flights notam in Greece to August 9
Greek PM: We are building a wall of immunity against the coronavirus
Media: Greek hotel owners discuss sanctions repercussions on tourists from Russia
Greek police using drones on islands to crack down on COVID-19 parties
Greek FM meets counterparts of Cyprus, Israel and the United Arab Emirates
Greece and Italy share findings of Erasmus-related police training program in Athens
Five consortiums express interest in Larnaca port project in Cyprus
Minister: Cyprus-Greece ferry link could be extended to include one more country
Deputy FM for expats says Greeks in Australia a government priority
Greek Tourism Minister meets Ambassadors of Sweden and Norway
Greece records 100,421 new Covid-19 cases and 314 fatalities for August 1-7
Cyprus Hotels Association: This tourist season will be better than last year