Greece Aiming to Extend Cruise Tourism to Other Destinations

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni at the 9th “Our Ocean Conference (OOC)”.

To address the increasing demand for cruise tourism to Greece, it is crucial to formulate policies that will protect destinations while ensuring the highest quality services, said Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni during her participation in the 9th “Our Ocean Conference (OOC)” held at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens this week.

Greece in 2023 broke all cruise records with 49 Greek ports welcoming 5,230 cruise ship arrivals and 7,003,150 passengers, according to data released by the Hellenic Ports Association (ELIME).

“It is imperative that we expand these cruise opportunities in a sustainable way, providing a quality experience to many destinations, while ensuring their identity and operation, as well as the protection of the natural environment and cultural heritage,” said Kefalogianni, speaking on the issue of “Sustainable Tourism – Sustainable Blue Economy”.

The cruise sector should cooperatively seek and promote all destinations, she said, adding that travelers today have special interests, a strong environmental and cultural consciousness, and seek quality and diversity in their travel experiences.

Prince Albert of Monaco (middle) with Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni.

In this direction, she said, the ministry aims to take initiatives and introduce rules in order to promote new destinations but also to create a long-term plan for cruise tourism management.

“Through actions and policies, we are creating the conditions for a new era in Greek tourism. Our goal is the sustainability of destinations and the tourism product by focusing on long-term development, quality and environmental protection,” she said.

Kefalogianni also outlined ministry priorities towards a bluer economy key among which the launch in the coming period of the first Mediterranean Coastal and Maritime Tourism Observatory together with UN Tourism (former UNWTO), the upgrade of the country’s ports and marinas with the use of RRF funds, the development of diving tourism, and making Greek beaches accessible.