Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
Greece Intensifies Efforts to Attract Cruise Tourists Amid Overtourism Concerns
Greece is intensifying its efforts to attract a greater number of cruise ship visitors, particularly from the United States, even as popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos contemplate regulations on arrivals due to concerns about overtourism. At Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami, a premier event for the global cruise industry, Greece is highlighting its thriving cruise sector and aiming to forge stronger collaborations with American partners to further boost cruise tourism.
Record Cruise Tourism Revenue and American Spending
Cruise tourism in Greece reached unprecedented heights in 2024, welcoming eight million passengers and generating €2.2 billion in revenue, a significant increase from €1.4 billion in 2022. Andreas Fiorentinos, Secretary General of the Hellenic Tourism Organization, stated, “Cruising is a cornerstone of our tourism economy.” He also engaged with Dean Trantalis, the Greek-American mayor of Fort Lauderdale, to discuss potential tourism and cultural partnerships between the US and Greece.
Key Spenders: American Tourists
American tourists are recognized as the highest-spending visitors in Greece, contributing an average of €1,034 per person in 2024, a 10% increase year-over-year. With 1.37 million American arrivals last year, their significance to the Greek tourism industry is undeniable.
Balancing Growth and Island Capacity
However, this surge in cruise tourism is straining local resources. Reports from last year indicated that Santorini and Mykonos are considering implementing caps on cruise ship visits starting in 2025 to manage the impact of overtourism.
Santorini’s Vulnerability to Overtourism
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis previously described Santorini as “the most vulnerable,” citing pressure on infrastructure and potential safety risks. Santorini, with a resident population of just 16,000, received 1.3 million tourists in 2023, underscoring the intensity of tourism’s impact.
Potential Cruise Passenger Fees
In September, the Greek Prime Minister announced forthcoming plans to introduce fees for cruise passengers disembarking on Santorini and Mykonos, signaling a move towards managing tourist flow and mitigating the effects of overtourism.
Cruise Lines Adjust and Greece Shifts Strategy
Major cruise operators, such as Princess Cruises, have already reduced the frequency of Santorini calls due to congestion. Local businesses express concerns that the large influx of tourists overwhelms the islands without delivering proportional economic benefits.
Investing in Sustainable Port Infrastructure
Despite these challenges, Greece remains committed to cruise tourism but is adapting its approach. The nation is investing in environmentally friendly port infrastructure to supply docked ships with onshore power, aiming to decrease pollution and reduce fuel consumption, promoting a more sustainable cruise sector.
Seeking Sustainable Tourism Growth
As various European destinations, from Barcelona to Amsterdam, are tightening regulations on cruise ships, Greece aims to achieve a balance. The goal is to welcome valuable tourism while safeguarding its most precious and sensitive island destinations from the negative impacts of overtourism.
Focus on High-Value Tourism
Prime Minister Mitsotakis noted, “People are prepared to pay more for a less crowded experience.” He emphasized, “That is the future we are planning for,” indicating a strategic shift towards attracting higher-value tourism that prioritizes quality and sustainability over sheer volume.