Greece shines at 1st European Cruise Exhibition

In a move to further bolster its record-breaking tourism, Greece made a significant appearance at the 1st European Cruise Week exhibition in Genoa, Italy, highlighting an industry valued at $60 billion.

“The cruise records in Greek ports and destinations confirm, more and more, that Greece is at the heart of the cruise world,” stated Vassilis Korkidis, President of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as reported by Capital.gr.

The sector currently employs 125,000 people and has experienced notable growth in Greece, particularly following the revitalization efforts led by the Chinese management firm COSCO at the port of Piraeus.

In the tourism zenith of 2023, Greek ports welcomed 5,230 cruise ship arrivals at 49 ports, accommodating seven million passengers. This marked an increase of 450 arrivals and 2.4 million passengers compared to 2022, when COVID-related restrictions began to ease.

On an annual basis, there was a 9.4% increase in cruise ship approaches and a staggering 51.3% increase in passenger numbers in 2023. These passengers, known for their high spending habits, often engage in sightseeing and shopping activities upon disembarking at the ports.

Notably, cruise ships carried significantly more passengers per vessel in 2023, averaging 1,339 compared to 969 in 2022, as confidence in international travel gradually returned.

According to the Bank of Greece, revenues from the sector in 2023 amounted to €699 million ($763.52 million), a substantial increase from €413 million ($451.12 million) in 2022 and €556 million ($607.32 million) in the previous record year of 2019.

Cruise ships alone generated €1.1 billion ($1.2 billion) in revenues in 2023. Theodore Vokos, Managing Director of Posidonia Exhibitions, emphasized the industry’s growth prospects in Greece, citing the planned expansion of cruise terminals in Souda-Chania and Piraeus, as well as Thessaloniki’s emerging potential as an additional cruise hub.

Data analysis revealed that cruise ship arrivals contributed significantly to various sectors, with 44% of passengers spending on shopping, 40% in restaurants, 12% on sightseeing, and 3% at food stores. Crew members also contributed to the overall revenues.

Theodora Riga, COO & Director of Strategic Communications at the Port of Thessaloniki, emphasized the importance of understanding passenger expectations to enhance the destination’s appeal and attract more cruise lines in the future.

Read more at thenationalherald.com

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

Photo Source: pixabay.com