Cruises are a success story for Greece, having contributed 1.4 billion euros to the Greek economy by 2022, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said, adding that it has made a call for more investment in port infrastructure and is systematically working with destinations in Greece to implement effective systems berth management for cruise ships.
“Any increase in applicable port charges should be proportionate to the specific port investment needs and applied to all visitors, with revenues directly reinvested in port operations and local communities,” it underlined.
The statement followed Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ announcement at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) to increase the fee by 20 euros per cruise passenger in popular destinations during peak periods, such as Santorini and Mykonos, with also significant intervention in terms of the number of ships arriving simultaneously at a destination.
CLIA pointed out that the cruise industry wishes to continue its close cooperation with the Greek government to support sustainable tourism activities in the country, hoping that any new measures imposed by the government will be developed in close consultation with the municipalities directly involved, ports and tourism operators, who depend on tourism.
In a written briefing to journalists, the International Cruise Association has repeatedly called for more investment in port infrastructure, which benefits both local communities and visitors. It added that any increase in the current port charges should meet the intended purpose, be proportional to the specific port investment needs and be applied to all visitors after a timely warning. It also pointed out that fee revenues should be reinvested directly into port operations to ensure that the benefits have a direct impact on local communities and visitors.
