Piraeus port has recorded an increase of 58.1% in cruise passengers during the first quarter of 2011, the first year without cabotage in Greece.
Transit passengers increased by 72.9% (from 80,808 in 2010 to 139,692 in 2011), while cruise ship arrivals increased by 5.1%.
This shows that cruise can deliver and enhance tourist revenues even in low season periods. The objective of Piraeus Port, based on the investment plan for the 2011-2015 period, is to become a hub for the whole Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
There is also an increase in cruise arrivals in other major ports of Greece, such as Santorini, Rhodes, Kos and Crete.
Moreover, cruisers are considered the best economic aid for local enterprises, as they spend a minimum of 50 euro per capita.
Meanwhile, executives of major cruise companies are expected to attend Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum on June 22 and 21. Among the speakers will be the head of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity companies, Carnival Group CEO, Louis Cruises General Sales and Marketing Manager, chairman of Mediterranean port network MEDCRUISE and chairman of the port designers Bermello Ajamil.
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