Heraklion, Crete, to Host 8th Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum in May 2025

The city of Heraklion on Crete will host the 8th Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum, the East Med’s premier cruise conference, in May 2025, as announced by the organizer, Posidonia Exhibitions S.A..

Supported by the Region of Crete and the Heraklion Port Authority and in collaboration with local authorities, the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum (PSTF) will be held on Greece’s largest island for the first time.

The PSTF 2025 will take place during May 6-7 at the Creta Maris Resort, conveniently located near Crete’s capital.

PSTF 2025 theme

With Piraeus, Santorini, and Mykonos accounting for nearly 60 percent of all cruise activity in Greece, and many Mediterranean destinations adopting measures to address overtourism, the theme of PSTF 2025, “The Med: A Compelling Need for New Marquee Ports & Destinations”, is highly relevant.

The event will connect global cruise industry leaders and organizations, such as Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and MedCruise, with stakeholders from the East Med to explore solutions and create innovative itineraries.

The forum will address issues like relieving pressure on overcrowded ports, exploring the potential of lesser-known destinations, and fostering dialogue on sustainable tourism practices. These topics will be discussed with cruise executives who possess extensive knowledge and operational expertise in the Mediterranean.

“Topics for discussion during the two-day conference will include sustainability, marketing and tourism product delivery, guest immersion and satisfaction, overcrowding, new destination entries, port infrastructure, green initiatives and solutions, effective berth allocation, and daily caps on arrivals,” said Posidonia Exhibitions S.A. Managing Director Theodore Vokos.

In addition to the engaging panel discussions, the exhibition at the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum will showcase and promote new and emerging cruise destinations, ports, and related infrastructure. It will feature cruise companies, travel agencies, tourism consultants, and suppliers, among others. The exhibition floor will serve as a platform for regional destinations and stakeholders to connect with itinerary and excursion planners. New port investments and infrastructure projects, such as the ongoing development of the new Heraklion Airport, will also be highlighted to the cruise industry.

“At the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum, cruise executives and key stakeholders will have the opportunity to explore ways to ensure a sustainable future for highly popular destinations, while also fostering a collaborative approach to introducing cruise passengers to new or emerging ports with marquee potential,” added Vokos.

Heraklion: Cruise passenger numbers up 20% in 2024

The economic impact of cruise activity is significant for port cities. In Heraklion, the direct economic impact of the cruising sector generated 36.05 million euros for the local economy in the 12-month period ending May 2024, according to a University of Piraeus study.

The same study found that 72 percent of cruise passengers who visited Heraklion would recommend it as a holiday destination to friends and relatives, with 29.1 percent indicating they would return to the city as conventional tourists.

Data from Posidonia Exhibitions indicates that Heraklion port is expected to see a 20 percent increase in cruise passenger numbers this year, with a similarly busy season anticipated in 2025.

In the 13 years since its inception, the forum will be hosted in Heraklion for the first time, making it only the second city, outside Athens, to hold the event following Thessaloniki’s successful hosting in 2023.

The PSTF 2025 will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy and the Ministry of Tourism. It is supported by the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports (MedCruise), and the Union of Cruise Ship Owners and Associated Members (EEKFN).

Sponsors for the PSTF 2025 include Kyvernitis Travel Group and Thessaloniki Port Authority (ThPA S.A.).