In an interview with “N,” Bud Darr, President of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), discussed Greece’s promising position in the global cruise industry, highlighting the country’s significant emergence as a regional hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Darr noted that Greece is set to welcome 8 million passenger movements and nearly 5,500 cruise ship arrivals in 2024, anticipating more than 10% growth in the market by 2025.
He stressed Greece’s capacity to enhance its tourism appeal by promoting lesser-known ports and regions.
“With over 40 ports ready for development, CLIA members are eager to explore beyond popular spots like Mykonos and Santorini,” he said, emphasizing that this approach can bolster local economies, alleviate infrastructural strain, and provide travelers with authentic experiences.
Regarding the sustainability of the industry in Greece, Darr indicated that improving port infrastructure, enabling homeporting, and extending the tourist season are vital for sustainable growth.
In 2023, cruising contributed over 2 billion euros to the Greek economy and created more than 22,000 jobs, underscoring the importance of supporting the sector.
Concerning the recent announcement of increased port fees, Darr expressed concerns about the timing and implementation, particularly during peak tourist seasons, fearing it may complicate operations for local agents.
“While investments in infrastructure are essential, planning must be transparent and cooperative among all stakeholders,” he added, noting the need for effective collaboration among the government, ports, and companies to ensure sustainable development and equitable benefit distribution.
On the industry’s investments in green technologies, he reported that cruise lines are already focusing on ships with advanced engine and propulsion systems that utilize LNG, e-methanol, and hydrogen.
“Over 50% of ships globally are equipped with shore-side energy connectivity, and this figure is on the rise,” he said, highlighting that with strategic investments and partnerships, Greece could become a leader in sustainable cruising in the Mediterranean.
What is Greece’s outlook in the global cruise market for the next decade?
“Greece is positioning itself as a crucial cruise hub in the Eastern Mediterranean, driven by increasing demand and significant growth. Its strategic location, high-quality tourism offerings, and investments in port facilities enhance its competitiveness globally.
With nearly 8 million passenger movements and 5,490 cruise ship arrivals projected for 2024, Greece is experiencing remarkable growth, expecting a more than 10% increase in the cruise market by 2025.
This upward trend highlights the country’s robust international positioning, attracting both companies and tourists seeking authentic experiences.”
Is there interest from CLIA members in promoting lesser-known Greek destinations beyond Santorini and Mykonos?
“There is a clear interest in exploring alternative destinations, as Greece boasts over 40 ports that could be integrated into the cruise network.”
CLIA member companies are actively considering adding these less-traveled Greek ports to their itineraries, providing smaller island and mainland communities with the opportunity to benefit from cruise tourism and positively impacting the local economy while minimizing infrastructural pressure.
Cruise tourism can distribute its benefits across various locations without necessitating extensive stays.
“If adequately supported, lesser-known Greek ports can welcome visitors seeking authentic experiences, which also helps to relieve congestion in popular areas.”
How can Greece bolster its status as a premier cruise destination?
“Greece can enhance its position by investing in port infrastructure, facilitating homeporting, and extending the tourist season.
Utilizing Greek ports as departure points for cruises enriches travel experiences and generates more revenue for local communities through overnight stays and various services.
In 2023, cruising added 2 billion euros to the Greek economy, supporting over 22,000 jobs—a growth linked directly to homeporting initiatives.
The country’s favorable climate and rich cultural legacy also position it well to attract cruises during winter, evening out seasonal tourism and further supporting local economies.
With itineraries connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, and an increasing demand for authentic travel year-round, Greece should focus on enhancing infrastructure, diversifying destinations, and fostering interregional cooperation to evolve into an internationally recognized cruise hub.
What are your thoughts on the recent increase in port fees? Will this change itineraries to other countries?
“The new cruise ship fee will likely have various operational and commercial impacts on the industry.
While the Greek government’s intent to allocate additional resources for port and destination development is commendable, the timing and method of implementation raise concerns.
Introducing these fees during the peak tourist season poses practical challenges, especially since cruise schedules are often finalized well in advance.
The administrative burden related to this new fee will largely fall on local shipping agents, potentially complicating compliance given existing circumstances.
Whether these fee increases will prompt companies to alter their routes to other countries remains a corporate decision.”
How can ports, governments, and cruise lines collaborate more effectively?
“The cruise industry relies on long-term planning and collaboration. Thus, CLIA and its member lines actively partner with government and port authorities as well as local communities to foster sustainable growth.
Unlike other tourism forms, cruising benefits from advance scheduling, allowing for early dialogue among destinations and companies.
This proactive approach helps address potential issues and aligns tourism development with local priorities.
CLIA has set forth guiding principles for effective collaboration, emphasizing transparency, timely communication, and shared responsibility for executing well-informed policies.
It is crucial that new measures are clearly defined and consistently implemented in response to the genuine needs of cruise lines and local communities.
Since local needs differ—from accommodation to infrastructure—flexibility is key to crafting tailored solutions.
Integrated tourism strategies that balance environmental, social, and economic challenges often yield the best results.
Promoting lesser-visited ports, investing in port infrastructure, and implementing sustainable practices throughout the tourism value chain are essential.
Berth allocation systems can also aid busy ports in managing cruise arrivals more efficiently while supporting local businesses.
CLIA advocates for research and environmental assessments to inform decision-making and mitigate potential risks.
Our engagement in EU and Mediterranean sustainability initiatives reflects our commitment to evidence-based planning.
Expanding the geographic reach of cruise tourism is also vital, as in 2024 over half of all cruise activity in Greece was concentrated in just three ports: Piraeus, Santorini, and Mykonos.
However, Greece has more than 40 destinations ready for cruise ships. This diversity can alleviate pressure on high-demand areas and foster a more equitable distribution of economic advantages across both islands and the mainland.
Which alternative fuel technologies are currently promising within the global cruise industry?
“The cruise industry is exploring a range of alternative fuel technologies as part of its long-term transition to low- or zero-emission fuels.
Cruise lines are investing in ships equipped with sustainable fuel-compatible engine and propulsion technologies, enabling an easier shift to lower-carbon energy sources in the future.
Methanol and hydrogen are currently at the forefront, with ships being designed specifically for these energy sources.
LNG remains a transitional option, facilitating future bio- or synthetic fuel usage.
By 2030, the use of sustainable biofuels and onshore power supply (OPS) will be widely implemented as part of a multifaceted decarbonization strategy, with calls for government and supplier support.
As of now, over 50% of cruise ships globally have onshore energy capabilities, and this number continues to grow yearly.”
