Posidonia 2019 Forum to Cast Spotlight on Greek Cruise Comeback

Greece’s sea tourism with particular focus on its cruise travel sector will be coming into the 2019 Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum (PSTF) spotlight on May 28-29, at the Domotel Kastri Conference Center in Athens.

Global cruise and yachting experts will be taking the podium to discus the sector trends and challenges for the East Med and Black Sea regions.

Issues on the agenda include the growth of sea tourism in the East Med, the return of Turkish ports in major cruise line itineraries, the berth capacity increase, the return of Disney Cruise Line, prospects of cruising in the East Med, partnerships between ships, ports and destinations for sustainable tourism, the region’s potential to offer year-round cruise products, and the overall impact of cruise ship size increase, as well as important yachting topics such as marinas, privatisations, infrastructure and legislative issues, building, maintenance and repair.

Recent developments in Greece are also set to attract delegate interest particularly in view of forecasts for a 7.5 percent rise in the number of calls at Greek ports this season, according to figures provided by the Union of Greek Cruise Ship Owners and Associated Members (EEKFN).

Theodore Vokos, managing director of organizer Posidonia Exhibitions SA

“Greece’s growing status as a world class cruise destination is also among the topics to be discussed by some 50 experts from the international cruise and yachting sectors. They will be sharing their thoughts on a variety of issues, including the impending Greek port privatizations and the strategic benefits from the promising gradual stabilization of regional geopolitical hotspots,” said Theodore Vokos, managing director of organizer Posidonia Exhibitions SA.

In the meantime, CLIA Europe and MedCruise will also host industry meetings during the Posidonia Forum, expected to attract over 600 delegates and exhibitors from over 20 countries.

A workshop organized by the Hellenic Marine Equipment Manufacturers and Exporters (HEMEXPO) will bring together purchasing and technical managers from Royal Caribbean Cruises and Silversea Cruises to discuss the sector’s procurement procedures with Greek marine equipment manufacturers interested in becoming suppliers to the cruise industry.

At the same time, MSC Cruises with the support of the Federation of Hellenic Associations of Travel & Tourist Agencies (FedHATTA) will hold a workshop on the importance of developing the cruise market in Greece.

Photo Source: @CLIA

“Our current target is to extend the cruising season and our efforts have already begun. The ultimate goal is to establish year-round operations, but to achieve this we need cooperation from both the ports and the state so as to improve infrastructure for safer cruise calls and develop more competitive policies on cost and services,” said Union of Greek Cruise Ship Owners and Associated Members President Theodoros Kontes.

At the same time, parallel to the event, organizers have teamed up with the Young Executives Shipping (YES) Forum to promote career opportunities for younger generations and providing ground for young entrepreneurs to present start-up business plans.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is a media sponsor of the 5th Ρosidonia Sea Tourism Forum.