CLIA showcases the benefits of sustainable cruise tourism in Greece by highlighting environmental progress and economic benefits
- CLIA launches exhibition on sustainable cruise tourism in partnership with the Eugenides Foundation
- New CLIA data shows cruise as an enabler for economic growth and responsible tourism in Greece
- CLIA recommends the development of a National Cruise Development Plan and timeline to prioritize investments and support the growth of new cruise destinations in Greece to be developed jointly by the Greek Government and the cruise industry, as part of the ongoing dialogue. The plan’s execution shall be financed by cruise fee revenues and will assess the needs for port infrastructure, shore development, and marketing of each destination.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading voice of the global cruise industry, is showcasing the benefits of a thriving cruise sector for communities in Greece with the launch of an exhibition on sustainable cruise tourism in partnership with the Eugenides Foundation. The opening event of the Exhibition, held yesterday at the premises of Eugenides Foundation, follows CLIA’s campaign which, through a series of videos, aims to amplify the voice of the cruise community in Greece and showcase how the sector is a driving force for growth and prosperity.
Mrs. Maria Deligianni, Regional Director, Eastern Mediterranean, CLIA, said:
“Greece is at the heart of Mediterranean cruising, and as we highlight through our exhibition and campaign today, partnerships are key to preserving the country’s attractiveness as a great place to visit and to live. With data showing that over 55% of cruise traffic is concentrated in only three ports, we support the Government’s efforts to enhance the visitor experience and develop new destinations. We believe that investing the cruise fee to support this ambition can help spread the benefits of cruise tourism more widely, enabling balanced and sustainable growth and strengthening Greece’s role as a premier hub for cruising. Building on this ambition, we propose the creation of a National Cruise Development Plan, which will be accompanied by a clear timeline for initiating investments and supporting new destinations in Greece. We suggest that this plan be developed by the Greek Government in collaboration with the cruise industry as part of our ongoing dialogue. The implementation of the plan will be funded by revenues from the cruise fee, considering the needs for port infrastructure, development, and the promotional activities required at each destination.”
Mr. Leonidas Dimitriadis-Eugenides, President of the Eugenides Foundation and Goodwill Maritime Ambassador of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), stated:
“Cruise tourism is a dynamic sector with a significant contribution to both the European and the Greek economy. Its development must be grounded in balance, strategic planning, and respect for the environment and local communities. Because progress has real meaning only when it combines economic prosperity with knowledge, education, and sustainability. In this context, at the Eugenides Foundation, we believe it is especially important for Greeks — and particularly young people — to acquire the skills that will enable them to take full advantage of the opportunities this growth presents.”
Cruise sector innovations driving sustainability
Reinforcing the sector’s commitment to sustainability, CLIA shared the results of its annual Environmental Technologies and Practices report. The 2025 report shows continuous and measurable progress by member cruise lines as they advance an ambitious environmental agenda — from testing and piloting biofuels, investing in fuel-flexible engines, to the increasing use of lower emissions fuels, and maximizing energy-efficiency measures. Cruise lines are early adopters and innovators of maritime technology — examples include advanced wastewater systems, onshore power supply, air lubrication systems, and the newest generation of dual-fuel engines — from which other sectors of maritime also benefit. Cruise lines are investing tens of billions of euros to build the fleet of the future, including more than 80 new ships on order worldwide that feature these and other innovations.
Generating economic and social benefits for Mykonos economy
CLIA also unveiled the results of a study by the international research firm Oxford Economics showing that cruise tourism generated €201 million to Mykonos economy in 2024. The study also found that cruise tourism in Mykonos supports nearly 3,000 jobs in the economy of the area, highlighting the sector’s significant contribution to local livelihoods. With a focus on Mykonos, the study revealed that cruise passengers spend an average of €107 per person on the island during average stays onshore of a little under six hours. The study shows how cruise tourism serves to introduce Greece to new visitors — eight out of ten (transit) cruise guests in 2024 were visiting the island for the first time, and over half visiting Greece for the first time.
CLIA also announced that it has commissioned a similar study from the University of Piraeus on the economic impact of cruising in Santorini with initial findings expected in early 2026 and the final report to be released in July 2026.
“The Voyage” interactive exhibition on sustainable cruise tourism
CLIA’s exhibition “The Voyage” will be on display at the Eugenides Foundation in Athens until early January 2026. The exhibition takes visitors on an immersive journey through the world of cruising, with interactive features and a spotlight on sustainability. Visitors have access to information on cruise innovation and environmental progress.
Please click here to see the Annual ETP Report: https://cruising.org/news/cruise-lines-international-association-clia-releases-annual-environmental-technologies
Please click here to see the Mykonos Survey: https://cruising.org/resources/cruise-port-profile-study-mykonos