To lift restrictive measures in Santorini
The cruise record in Greece in 2024 was recorded in 2024, as industry officials, traffic in 49 destinations in our country reached 8 million passengers.
The official figures have not yet been announced, but sources from the cruise area, speaking to RES, spoke of a recorded historical record, which now exceeds pre -pandemic levels. It should be noted that according to data from the Port of Greece, in 2023 in 49 Greek ports in the country, total cruise ship arrivals amounted to 5,230 and the number of passengers at 7,003,150, compared to 4,629,650 in 2022.
Top destination Santorini
And this year’s attraction for most passengers, as well as the excursion packages that have been closed for two years, is the island of Santorini, which has been plagued for a short time by seismic stimulation and restrictive measures. It is an Aegean island, which is a very popular destination in the world and crown of the tourist season.
It should be noted, however, that at present cruise ships cannot reach this island, due to the restrictive measures announced in the aftermath of the seismic stimulation. Sources stressed in the RES that the relevant Ministries of Maritime Tourism and Civil Protection have already set up a new Joint Ministerial Decision to give the “green light” in the coming days to the companies so that cruise ships can reach the Athenian seafarers at Athinios.
It is noted that the large cruise ships do not tie directly to the port of Santorini, mainly due to the geographical configuration of the island, but anchor near the island and passengers are transported to Santorini via smaller vessels. The port of the island, located in Caldera, is to serve the ships of the ship.
Based on the planning of the arrivals of the Thera Port Fund, at least five cruise ships with a total of 6,000 passengers and another 35 cruise ships in April. The first cruise ship to reach Santorini next week, and specifically on Sunday, March 23, is from Celestyal with 1,200 passengers.
Stylianidis: Santorini will act as a tourist destination this year
Speaking to the 4th European Council of the International Association of Cruise Association (Cruise Lines International Association) in Rotterdam, referring to the issue of Santorini, speaking at the 4th European Council of the International Cruise Association, referring to the issue of Santorini that the island can now function as a tourist destination and this summer, but under certain conditions.
“The cruise is an integral part of our tourist product. We want the cruise to Greece and we are seeking its quality upgrade, “the minister stressed while referring to the cooperation of our country with cruise agencies, he said that” it will be constant and meaningful. “
Mr. Stylianidis, referring to the issue of charcoal, said that Greek ports would be able to provide land supply (OPs) and facilitate greener operations in the coming period as in collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Environment & Energy, a plan will be drawn up by which ” Electricity is provided by land, cruise ships as an alternative, so as not to use the ship’s engines for energy production. This practice is mainly aimed at reducing air pollution and fuel consumption.
The Honorary President of the Shipping and Shipping Ship Shipowners Association, Theodoros Kontas, speaking to RES said that this year this year in Greece, there is an increase in small and medium -sized cruise ships, while referring to the high -profile rise in And Santorini said that this would burden each passenger per 4 per 20 euros, while in the other ports the end per passenger will amount to 5 euros.
He estimated that the revenue from port fees would exceed € 40 million and that they should be properly invested in various destinations to improve services and infrastructure to serve customers.
