Rhodes at the epicenter of global cruising - Participation in Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami

The Municipal Port Fund of Southern Dodecanese and the Rhodes Tourism Promotion Organization (PRO.TOY.R.) will participate in the 40th Seatrade Cruise Global, the leading global conference and exhibition for the cruise industry, which will be held in Miami, USA, from 07 to 10 April.

Rhodes will be represented by the President of the Southern Dodecanese Cruise Fund, Mr. Vasilios Vagianakis, and the Managing Director of the Southern Dodecanese Cruise Fund & Maritime Tourism Development Advisor of the Southern Dodecanese Cruise Fund, Mr. Anastasios Konstantaros, who will have contacts with leading executives of the largest cruise companies and industry bodies, with the aim of further developing Rhodes as a cruise destination.

Cruising is one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism, making a significant contribution to the economy of the destinations it serves. According to the latest data:

• In 2024, Rhodes welcomed 343 cruise ship arrivals, a number that reflects the island's growing potential in the cruise sector.

• For 2025, estimates show even greater growth, with planned arrivals exceeding 477, recording an increase of more than 30% compared to the previous year.

• The total number of cruise passengers in 2024 exceeded 480,000, contributing significantly to the local economy.

The economic contribution of cruising to Rhodes is decisive:

• The average per capita expenditure of passengers ranges from €70 - €120, depending on the length of stay and the choice of activities.

• Passengers participating in organized excursions spend €80 - €100, covering guided tours, attraction tickets and transportation.

• Those exploring the island independently spend €50 - €80, mainly on dining, shopping and activities.

• Crew members contribute an additional €30 - €50 per person, mainly on shopping and dining.

Participation in Seatrade Cruise Global is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Rhodes' position on the global cruise map. The main priorities that will be promoted within the framework of the event include:

• Strengthening infrastructure: Promoting projects to upgrade port facilities, which will allow for better service for cruise ships.

• Sustainability & Green Transition: Highlighting initiatives to reduce the environmental footprint of maritime tourism.

• Expanding partnerships: Negotiations with major cruise companies for the inclusion of Rhodes in new itineraries and the expansion of approaches and the hours of stay of ships on the island.

• Enriching the visitor experience: Developing new tourist products that highlight the authenticity of Rhodes and differentiate the experience of cruise passengers.

Benefits to the other islands of the Southern Dodecanese

Rhodes, with its rich cultural and natural capital, has all the guarantees to develop into a leading homeporting destination in the Mediterranean.

In parallel with the spectacular development of cruising in Rhodes, coordinated efforts are being made to benefit the other islands that fall under the Municipal Port Fund of the Southern Dodecanese.

Specifically, the integration of ports of smaller islands into combined cruise itineraries is being promoted, offering alternative routes for passengers who wish to experience more authentic and unexplored corners of the Dodecanese.

This initiative aims to:

• Decongest Rhodes through sharing tourist traffic.

• Spread the economic benefits of maritime tourism to more islands.

• Strengthening the profile of the Southern Dodecanese as a comprehensive cruise destination with multi-thematic options.

Participation in Seatrade Cruise Global confirms the commitment of the municipal authority to invest in the future of maritime tourism, ensuring the development and prosperity of the destination.

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