By Margarita Manousou
margarita.manousou1@gmail.com
GREEK ISLANDS AND PORTS ARE ALWAYS AT THE TOP OF THE LIST OF PROGRAMMES
THE LUXURY CRUISE GENERATES EXPECTATIONS
FOR “NAILS” AND EMERGING DESTINATIONS IN GREECE AND THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN
THE BIGGEST LUXURY CRUISE COMPANIES WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE POSIDONIA SEA TOURISM FORUM
The appeal of Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean as an ideal destination for luxury cruises will be one of the main topics of discussion at the 7th Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum, to be held in Thessaloniki on 25 and 26 April 2023.
Among the luxury and specialist cruise lines that have already confirmed their participation in the two-day event, which will take place at the iconic Makedonia Palace hotel, are Azamara Cruises, Compagnie du Ponant, Scenic Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Variety Cruises and the recently relaunched Crystal Cruises.
Delegates and exhibitors from all over the world will have the opportunity to attend a panel discussion entitled: “The appeal of lesser-known destinations: Luxury and exploration cruises lead the way“, which will examine the growing importance of less popular destinations for this market segment, together with the role of sustainability and authenticity as factors influencing travellers’ choice.
“Our decision to move the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum outside Athens for the first time in the 12-year history of the event is linked to emerging trends in an industry that wishes to constructively address the growing criticism of its contribution to the over-tourism of many popular cruise destinations around the world,” said Theodoros Vokos, CEO of Posidonia Exhibitions S.A.
“Thessaloniki was chosen to host this year’s event to highlight the need for more port and destination alternatives in order to reduce the impact and optimise the management of cruise ship traffic in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Thessaloniki is also a natural gateway to the emerging markets of the Balkans – another important issue to be addressed during the Forum.” Vokos.
With more than 400 inhabited islands and coastal towns across Italy, Croatia, Greece, Albania, Croatia, Greece and Turkey, the Eastern Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea together offer one of the richest destination options in the world. There are countless potential new ports of call as well as major and regional homeporting options, in addition to the established popular destinations.
Diverting some traffic away from overcharged destinations will enrich companies’ route choices and act as a tool that can protect the natural, cultural and tourism values needed for a sustainable future.
Mark Robinson, Senior Vice President Operations of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Cruises Tours, said: “The luxury cruise sector accounts for 3.7% of the industry’s total market share globally, with the Mediterranean Sea holding over a third of this segment, at 37.01%. One of the main reasons for the region’s appeal is the Eastern Mediterranean archipelago, which offers unique, world-renowned destinations, as well as ‘hidden gems’ that offer completely personalised services as destinations. With our luxury ships Scenic and Emerald Cruises we have many calls in the region and we are delighted to announce for 2023 that our new ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse II – due to launch in April – and our new ship Emerald Sakara will debut in the region in July. Scenic Cruises is always looking for new destinations for its luxury cruises and the Eastern Mediterranean has untapped options, with its rich heritage, friendly people, great cuisine and turquoise seas.”
Around 85 luxury vessels, with a total capacity of 36,184 beds, will operate cruises this year. This represents an annual capacity of 1,050,000 passengers, while the forecast is for up to 94 ships in 2027, with a total of 44,764 beds and 1,378,000 passengers.
“According to Allied Market Research, Greece’s luxury tourism offering is expected to generate annual revenues of $2.7 billion by 2030, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5% from 2021 to 2030. A significant portion of this revenue will come from luxury cruise activity and land-based spending by high-income passengers.” Vokos.
Luxury cruise passengers are looking for a wide range of unusual, often specialised and certainly more immersive destination experiences, and are willing to pay more to meet their expectations. Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean as a whole is endowed with a unique diversity of destinations that can satisfy even the highest expectations of the most demanding modern travellers.
Other interesting topics to be discussed during PSTF 2023 will include the long-term prospects for the cruise industry and the need for cooperation between regions and cruise companies to enhance the supply of destinations, the need to upgrade infrastructure and improve the management of cruise traffic in order to relieve over-tourism.
PSTF 2023 is supported by PPA S.A. as Diamond Sponsor, PPA S.A. as Silver Sponsor and Celestyal Cruises, Global Ports Holding and Kyvernitis Travel as Bronze Sponsors. It is organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Shipping & Maritime Affairs. Island Policy and the Ministry of Tourism and is supported by the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the International Association of Cruise Lines (CLIA), the Mediterranean Cruise Port Association (MedCruise) and the Association of Cruise Ship Owners & Cruise Line Operators Shipping Operators.
