In response to recent government proposals for increasing port fees, CLIA has issued a statement highlighting the need for fair and timely implementation of such measures. It emphasizes that the new fees should be proportional to the needs of each port and comparable to similar fees in other Mediterranean ports, ensuring the competitiveness of Greek ports. The statement also notes that the revenue from these fees should be reinvested directly into port operations and local communities.
CLIA also stresses the need for a holistic approach to tourism management that includes all forms of tourism, not just cruising. It reminds that its member companies have already implemented measures to manage visitor flows in collaboration with local municipalities in destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos, and hopes that the new measures will be developed in close consultation with all stakeholders involved.
CLIA calls on the government to consider the proposals and data provided, hoping for a fair and effective implementation of the new policies.
Detailed announcement from CLIA
The cruise sector is a success story for Greece contributing 1.4 billion euros to the economy in 2022. CLIA has long called for more investment in port infrastructure and worked with destinations to implement efficient planning for cruise ship berthing. Any increase in the existing port fee should be fit for purpose, proportionate to the specific port investment needs, and apply across all visitors, with revenues directly reinvested into port operations and the local communities.
The cruise industry is keen to continue its close cooperation with the Greek Government to support sustainable tourism activities in the country. CLIA is hoping that any new measures imposed by the Government will be developed in close consultation with the impacted municipalities, ports and tourism stakeholders locally whose livelihoods depend on cruise tourism.