Adriatic Ports: Passenger Movements Expected to Exceed 37 Million in 2024

Photo source: Risposte Turismo

Passenger movements—embarking, disembarking, and transit—at Adriatic ports are projected to surpass 37 million this year, according to the seventh edition of the Adriatic Sea Tourism Report by Risposte Turismo. This report is released ahead of the 7th Adriatic Sea Forum, an international event focused on maritime tourism, taking place on October 24-25 in Ravenna, Italy.

The report forecasts over 4.9 million passenger movements from cruises by the end of 2024, marking a 6.7 percent increase from 2023. Additionally, ferry and hydrofoil movements are expected to reach more than 32.5 million, reflecting a 2.1 percent rise compared to last year.

Italy and Croatia are set to dominate the cruise segment, with Italy leading in passenger movements (2 million) and calls (1,316). Over the past decade, while cruise passenger numbers have remained stable at around 4.9 million, traffic distribution has improved.

According to the report, in 2015, the top three ports — Venice, Dubrovnik, and Corfu — accounted for 64 percent of cruise traffic; this has since reduced to 38 percent, highlighting a better flow distribution following regulatory changes in Venice.

At the end of 2024, Corfu is expected to lead with over 700,000 passenger movements, followed by Kotor with more than 600,000, marking a record for the Adriatic. Dubrovnik is projected to see 542,000 passenger movements, a decline from its peak of 1.08 million in 2013. Notable increases in cruise traffic include Pula (+155 percent), Igoumenitsa (+67 percent), and Brindisi (+42 percent).

In the ferry and hydrofoil segment, Croatia will account for approximately 69 percent of passenger movements in the area (around 22.5 million), largely due to strong performance from Split (5.6 million) and Zadar (2.6 million). Greece follows, with Igoumenitsa surpassing 3 million passengers for the first time, contributing to over 5 million international passenger movements in the Adriatic (+2.5 percent). Italy retains its third position with over 3 million passengers, with Brindisi reporting a 12 percent increase.

In the nautical sector, Risposte Turismo identified 344 marinas, with Italy leading in both the number of marinas (192) and berths (over 49,200). Croatia follows with 126 marinas and almost 21,300 berths, while Montenegro has 9 marinas and 3,750 berths.

Despite stable client numbers reported by 55 percent of nautical facilities, over a third noted increases. However, operators in the nautical charter market report challenges, with 78 percent indicating a decrease in client numbers compared to 2023.

“Maritime tourism in the Adriatic has returned to vital volumes, reinforcing its central position in the Mediterranean,” stated Risposte Turismo President Francesco di Cesare, emphasizing the importance of integrating maritime and land travel in tourism policies.

Risposte Turismo has been publishing the Adriatic Sea Tourism Report, which analyses the flows, size, nature and directions of tourism movements by sea in the Adriatic, since 2013.

The latest edition of the Adriatic Sea Tourism Report will be presented in detail at the 7th Adriatic Sea Forum. Press here for the program and speakers.

Participants must register here to take part in the Adriatic Sea Forum, which will take place in English.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is a communication sponsor of the 6th Adriatic Sea Forum.