By
Laura Hyde |
The 8th Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum (PSTF) will focus on finding solutions to drive cruise growth in the Eastern Mediterranean from 6-7 May 2025. The event will be themed ‘The Med: A Compelling Need for New Marquee Ports & Destinations’.
The two-day event will bring together industry stakeholders, leaders and policymakers to explore the multiple challenges that are potentially slowing growth in the region, including port infrastructure deficiencies, geopolitical uncertainties and concerns about the strain of overcrowding on local environments and resources. Discussions will focus on finding solutions to overcome these challenges as well as unlock new opportunities for growth.
“The wider Eastern Mediterranean faces complex dynamics,” said George Koumpenas, president of Hellenic Cruise Ship Owners and Associated Members’ Union, “The ongoing Gaza conflict and escalating security risks in the Red Sea have significantly contracted the cruise footprint across the region, echoing patterns last seen after the Arab Spring. Key markets such as Israel, Egypt, Cyprus and parts of Southern Turkey are experiencing a notable downturn.”
However, Greece has experienced a strong post-pandemic recovery with 5,490 cruise ship calls in 2024, bringing a total of 7,927,709 passengers. This marks an increase of 260 calls and 924,559 passenger movements compared to 2023, according to data from the Hellenic Ports’ Association (ELIME).
According to PSFT organisers, the disparity in the growth pattern between destinations makes itinerary and vessel deployment planning even more complex, which is why the deployment of larger vessels to the eastern Mediterranean to meet customer demand will be high on the list of topics to discuss. PSFT will also consider the benefits of implementing cruise visitor taxes or daily passenger caps, such as the one in Santorini, which now only welcomes 8,000 passengers per day.
PSFT will also highlight the importance of coordinated action in helping Eastern Mediterranean ports to overcome the current infrastructure limitations that could hinder further growth.
“Investments must be directed at both expanding and modernising Greek ports, and also those at smaller emerging destinations, and at the same time safeguarding the cultural and environmental heritage that makes these destinations attractive in the first place,” said Athanasios Liagos, chairman of ELIME.
Read the PSFT event preview to find out more.