Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Statement regarding Tourism Management Measures in Greece
The cruise sector is a success story for Greece contributing 1.4 billion euros to the economy in 2022. CLIA has long called for more investment in port infrastructure and worked with destinations to implement efficient planning for cruise ship berthing. Any increase in the existing port fee should be fit for purpose, proportionate to the specific port investment needs, and apply across all visitors, with revenues directly reinvested into port operations and the local communities.
The cruise industry is keen to continue its close cooperation with the Greek Government to support sustainable tourism activities in the country. CLIA is hoping that any new measures imposed by the Government will be developed in close consultation with the impacted municipalities, ports and tourism stakeholders locally whose livelihoods depend on cruise tourism.
§ We value the strong partnership between the cruise sector and Greece and have called repeatedly for more investment in port infrastructure which benefits the local communities and visitors. Any increase in the existing port fee should be fit for purpose, proportionate to the specific port investment needs, and apply across all visitors. It should also be introduced with sufficient advance notice. Fee revenues should be directly reinvested into port operations to ensure the benefits are felt by the local communities and visitors.
§ The fee should be benchmarked against other port fees in the Mediterranean region, to ensure the Greek ports remain attractive and competitive. Port fees are also regulated by European and national legislation and should align with these principles.
§ We also note the Government’s intent to address tourism management issues during the peak season in some destinations with a potential variation of the fee level.
§ CLIA questions the singular focus on cruise tourism for this proposal. To truly find solutions to tourism management requires a holistic response. Cruise calls are planned years in advance, which allows for use of flow management measures. Indeed, such measures have already been implemented in coordination with local municipalities in Santorini and Mykonos, including berth management systems.
§ CLIA and member cruise lines will continue to work in close cooperation with local authorities to make sure that real and impactful measures are being adopted to strengthen tourism management for a longterm sustainable tourism industry, which benefits visitors and residents alike.
§ CLIA is hoping that any new measures imposed by the Government will be developed in close consultation with the impacted municipalities, ports and tourism stakeholders locally whose livelihoods depend on cruise tourism.
About the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
CLIA is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice for the industry as the leading authority of the global cruise community. On behalf of its members, affiliates and partners, the organization supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment, promoting positive travel experiences for millions of travelers who cruise annually. This year, CLIA forecasts that the annual number of passengers will reach 35.7 million passengers— surpassing 2019 levels. The CLIA community includes the world’s most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a widespread network of stakeholders, including ports and destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services; and highly trained and certified travel agent members that represent the largest network of travel professionals specializing in cruise travel. The organization’s global headquarters are in Washington, DC, with regional offices located in North and South America, Europe and Australasia. For further information, please visit cruising.org or europe.cruising.org
