Cruise Industry Key Role for Greek Economy

Greece: favorite cruise destination 
Greece competes with Italy for the first position among the most popular European destinations for cruising. With an average of 4,3 millions of cruise passengers, Greece can be proud during a very “cloudy period” about this achievement.

Cruise’s key role in Greek economy
The cruise industry continues to play a key role in Greek economy, in spite of the difficult financial circumstances. At least those were the data presented to the European Cruise Council’s report that is operated on a annual basis where the findings as well as the estimations were really encouraging. The contribution of the "green light" that was recently given by the Greek Minister of Marine Affairs regarding the removal of cabotage, has been priceless. Now, that the embarkation from regional ports such as Piraeus port or Katakolon port (next to Ancient Olympia), even for cruise ships with non EU flag is possible, cruising becomes even more alluring in Greece.

Figures speaking for themselves
Despite the crisis, it is estimated that the total value of goods and services produced in cruise industry has increased by 39% over the last three years, keeping in many cases the economy of weaker, South European countries, alive.The Greek ports of call, and more especially Piraeus port, has managed to maintain its position among the most busy cruise ports of East Mediterranean.

Greek islands: at the top of the preferences
Greek islands have managed to reserve their place among the top preferences of cruise passengers, despite the fateful perspectives and prove that cruise tourism in Greece is still strong and promising.Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes are three of the most visited Greek islands with tourism almost during all year round. All above facts came up from a report concerning the contribution of the cruise branch to the European economy and were presented during the annual meeting of the European Cruise Council.