Greece On Track But “Ain’t Plain Cruising Yet” Says Global Cruise Industry

C. Palassis, CTM Hellas; N. Lingard, Travel Industry Management Consultant; K. Moussouroulis, Greek Shipping Minister; J. Fox, Vice President Government Relations US and Europe, Royal Caribbean Cruises; G. Israel, Senior Vice President Port and Dest. Development of Carnival Corp.; and R. Ashdown, Secretary General of CLIA Europe.

Greece is extremely popular as a destination for cruise companies but the country still needs to do more in order to realize its full potential, representatives from the world’s two biggest cruise lines said today, 28 May, on the first day of the 2nd Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum in Athens.

“Last year, Carnival’s nine cruise line brands brought to Greece a total of 2.8 million international tourists mainly to Corfu, Katakolo, Pireaus, Santorini and Mykonos, but we know that this number could be a lot higher,” said Giora Israel, senior vice president port and destination development of Carnival Corporation.

Lifting of cabotage: A step in the right direction

Mr. Israel also expressed his confidence that the best days of cruising in Greece are “just in front of us” as the effects of the lifting of cabotage will become evident with the deployment of non EU flag vessels for home porting in Greek destinations.

On his part, John Fox, vice president government relations US and Europe, Royal Caribbean Cruises, which brings more passengers to Greece than any other cruise operator, also agreed that the removal of cabotage was a step to the right direction.

Mr. Fox added that in order to fully reap the rewards of cruising, Greece has to also address a few more issues and market itself as part of a regionwide ecosystem as opposed to following a more fragmented marketing strategy.

“The entire East Mediterranean and Black Sea region is the most mystical and magical in the world but Greece in particular is the only cruise hub in Europe which can offer a variety of packages and itineraries with short distance between ports which makes it good for business due to lower fuel costs,” he said.

Cruise industry challenge: Fuel costs

According to Rob Ashdown, Secretary General of (Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Europe, the current volatility of fuel costs is in fact a key challenge facing the cruise industry.

“Greece is currently the third most popular European cruising destination and its ranking can further improve if it can introduce a berthing policy designed to reduce congestion and keep port fees and charges aligned with the competition,” Mr. Ashdown said.

The Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum wraps up tomorrow, 29 May, while it will focus on yachting, passenger shipping and special UN session on cruise.