News in English

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) notes the publication of the Decree implementing a new cruise passenger tax in Greece and commits to working with the Government on its implementation

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading voice of the cruise community, representing 90% of the industry, notes the publication of the Decree implementing a new cruise passenger tax and commits to working with the Government on its implementation.

CLIA’s announcement follows recent meetings with the Vice President of the Government Mr. Kostis Hatzidakis and the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Mr. Vassilis Kikilias and Tourism Minister Mrs. Olga Kefalogianni, where all parties agreed to create a joint working group as a channel for ongoing cooperation between CLIA and the two Ministries.

Bud Darr, President and CEO, CLIA said: “The cruise industry is committed to supporting the long-term success of Greece as one of the world’s most popular countries to visit. While introducing the tax during peak season presents operational challenges that could have been avoided with more notice, we are committed to contributing to the joint working group with the Government on implementation with a focus on ensuring the proceeds are reinvested in port infrastructure and local communities for the benefit of the country’s cruise tourism economy.”

The announcement of the joint working group comes after concerns raised by CLIA about the rationale for the fee as well as operational challenges and commercial issues caused by its introduction during the middle of high season.

In the meetings, the Government emphasized its commitment to developing emerging tourist destinations. The revenue generated from this new fee is anticipated to be a vital resource, enabling Greece to fully realize its potential as a premier cruise market. This strategy aims not only to diversify cruise itineraries but also to support small communities as cruising offers an opportunity for economic growth.

Mrs. Maria Deligianni, Regional Director, Eastern Mediterranean, CLIA commented:
“We share the Government’s belief in the potential for cruise in alternative destinations based on sustainability. Within the framework of this joint working group, we look forward to exploring future collaborations with the participation of local authorities, chambers of commerce and tourism bodies. We remain committed to working with local cruise destinations to protect the uniqueness of Greece as a destination of global importance.”
All parties have agreed that effective coordination between the cruise sector and the Government is essential for successfully implementing a cruise strategy in Greece. CLIA highlighted that important steps have already been taken in this direction.

Mrs. Maria Deligianni, Regional Director, Eastern Mediterranean, CLIA commented: “Greece has seen an increase in tourism in recent years, and our priority has been to enhance cruise tourism management in popular destinations in coordination with local authorities.”

She highlighted that: “In collaboration with the Santorini Municipal Port Authority, an improved berth allocation system was introduced this year to manage the distribution of cruise ship arrivals and passenger flows. A similar system has been implemented in Mykonos, in coordination with the Mykonos Municipal Port Authority.

She concluded, “We will thoroughly assess the feasibility of these systems at the end of the season and propose any improvements necessary. As each destination is unique, it is important to tailor tourism management measures to the individual setting and circumstances.”

Greece is extremely attractive to visit by cruise with its many islands and coastlines to explore and rich cultural heritage. It is important to broaden the geographic reach of cruise tourism in Greece. In 2024, more than half of all cruise activity was concentrated in just three ports - Piraeus, Santorini, and Mykonos. Yet the country is home to more than 40 cruise destinations. Encouraging diversification fosters more inclusive economic benefits for communities across islands and the mainland, but preparation and infrastructure are crucial to achieve this goal.

At the same time, the cruise sector is dedicated to enhancing tourism in popular Greek destinations to benefit local communities and improve guest experiences.

In 2024, Greece welcomed more than 40 million visitors, out of which 1,8 million (4.5%) came by cruise.

Cruise has a long history in Greece bringing social and economic benefits to communities. Overall, the economic impact of cruise tourism in Greece in 2023 reached €2 billion, compared to 1.4 billion in 2022, and supported 22,600 jobs.

The total GDP amounted to €973 million. The impact is generated through four key activities:

• passenger spending, which contributed €540 million to Greek GDP, accounting for 55% of the cruise industry’s total impact in the country
• cruise line purchases which contributed €398 million to GDP
• ship- and capacity-building, which contributed €14 million of total GDP
• wage-linked spending of crew that reside in Greece, which contributed €21 million of total GDP