New Ports and Overtourism to Take Center Stage at Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum 2025

Destination sustainability will take center stage at the 8th Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum (PSTF), organized by  Posidonia Exhibitions S.A.. The event will be held on May 6-7 in Heraklion, Crete — one of Greece’s top tourism and cruise destinations.

Under the theme “The Med: A Compelling Need for New Marquee Ports and Destinations”, the forum will address pressing challenges in Mediterranean cruise tourism, including overtourism and sustainability, while exploring opportunities for innovation and emerging destinations.

Cruise industry trends and challenges

As Mediterranean cruising rebounds, the industry faces both opportunities and hurdles. In 2023, global cruising achieved a $168.6 billion economic impact, up 9 percent from 2019, with 31.7 million passengers — a 7 percent rise from pre-pandemic levels. Passenger numbers are expected to grow to 39.4 million by 2027. However, some marquee Mediterranean ports, such as Santorini and Barcelona, are grappling with overcrowding, exacerbating concerns about sustainability.

“Overtourism in many Mediterranean cities is a reality the industry must address,” said Posidonia Exhibitions S.A. Managing Director Theodore Vokos. “This year’s focus on new marquee ports and sustainability is critical as the Mediterranean remains one of the most dynamic cruise regions globally. The cruise industry has a unique opportunity to shift towards emerging destinations, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean, to achieve a more sustainable balance.”

Posidonia Exhibitions S.A. Managing Director Theodore Vokos.

Industry leaders’ insights

The forum will bring together key stakeholders, including the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports (MedCruise), and leading cruise lines, to discuss solutions. Topics will include:

– Green practices to address environmental challenges.
– Innovation in marketing, guest experiences, and technology.
– Infrastructure development through port investments and berth allocation systems.

“Mediterranean ports are vital to the industry, and we aim to ensure increased cruise traffic benefits destinations and the industry in a sustainable way,” said MedCruise President Theodora Riga highlighting collaboration.

Spotlight on Heraklion

Heraklion’s selection as host city highlights its strategic importance as a cruise hub. Heraklion Port Authority CEO Minas Papadakis noted substantial investments in infrastructure, including expanded berth capacity and state-of-the-art facilities, to accommodate growing cruise activity. The new international airport set to open in 2027 will further enhance homeporting potential.

During May 2023–May 2024, cruise tourism generated 60.2 million euros for Heraklion and supported 521 jobs.

“Sustainability has always been central to Crete’s tourism strategy. We look forward to engaging with stakeholders at the forum to explore solutions to the sector’s challenges,” Papadakis added.

Held at the Mikis Theodorakis Convention Center, PSTF 2025 will feature expert insights, networking opportunities, and an exhibition floor showcasing projects and partnerships.

Supported by the Greek Ministries of Maritime Affairs and Tourism, as well as industry organizations such as CLIA and MedCruise, the event will serve as a platform for shaping the future of Mediterranean cruise tourism.

The Greek Travel Pages (GTP) is a media sponsor for the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum 2025.