Key Tourism Figures 2018: David Dingle, Chairman CLIA Europe
Greece is a valued destination for international cruise industry.
The cruise industry is a global and dynamic industry. We’ve enjoyed progressive growth over the last 30 years, driven initially by demand from North America, which expanded to Europe, Australia and now Asia. As a result, the cruise industry impacts the global economy generating jobs, income and business growth in all regions of the world.
Greece is a valued destination for international cruise industry. It is the third most popular cruise destination in Europe and welcomed 4.09 million cruise guests in 2017.
With this popularity comes great economic benefit from the cruise industry. According to CLIA’s economic impact study, direct cruise industry expenditures in Greece accounted for 546 million euros in 2017, and almost 11,000 people were employed by the cruise industry last year, an increase of 7.4 percent on 2015, when the study was last undertaken.
We are confident that the cruise industry’s growth in Greece, and Europe as a whole, will be sustained for years to come.
CLIA has increased its presence in Greece and whole Eastern Mediterranean region by appointing a dedicated representative there. We hope to build closer and stronger ties with the local stakeholders to unlock the full potential of the cruise sector and highlight the importance of the region.
We are confident that the cruise industry’s growth in Greece, and Europe as a whole, will be sustained for years to come. CLIA continues to work with policymakers, regulators and other stakeholders across a variety of important industry subjects including environmental and sustainability areas towards the achievement of this goal.