THE Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)the leading voice of the global cruise industry, representing 95% of the industry, reaffirms its strong commitment to effectively work with popular cruise destinations on the industry’s top priorities for sustainable development and responsible tourism, during the visit that held in Mykonos.
Representing CLIA, Ms. Maria Deligianni, Eastern Mediterranean Manager, and Mr. Nikos Mertzanidis, Vice President of Ports and Destinations, visited the popular Aegean island and met with the Mayor of Mykonos, Mr. Christos Veronisthe President of the Municipal Port Fund of Mykonos, Mr. Athanasios Kousathanas-Mega, and the Head of the Technical Department, at Department of Sailing & Deputy Head of Security at Port Facilities (YALE), Mr. Nikolaos Vardalachos.
CLIA representatives recognized the global importance of Mykonos as a cruise destination, which has actually strengthened in recent years, and focused on the joint action that should be taken to maximize the benefits for island from the cruise and pursue the goal of sustainable. development.
In this direction, the CLIA supports local efforts to establish a berth management system in Mykonos, which aims to better manage cruise ship arrivals and departures on a daily and weekly basis, based on port and destination capabilities, and aims for the best passenger experience. after all, creating appropriate port infrastructures, The operating environment and sustainable development is one of the five pillars of the CLIA Action Plan for Greece.
Mr. Veronis and Messrs. Megas and Vardalachos, agreed that sailing is an extremely important tourist activity for Mykonos and stressed that the island intends to serve all cruise ships in the best possible way.
THE Maria Deligianni says: “The cruise industry is proud to work with the Mykonos authorities for the sustainable development of the industry. The key to this partnership is careful management to ensure smooth operations at the port and destination level and to protect the visitor experience, while respecting the local community.”
During the meeting, the contribution of cruising to the global and Greek economy was also discussed, with CLIA announcing that it is conducting a study on the economic impact of cruise tourism in Mykonos and an assessment of cruise activity on the island, in collaboration with the Oxford Economics research center and the port of Mykonos. The study will be completed by the end of 2024 and is expected to confirm the significant contribution to the local economy of cruise tourism, which in the country supports more than 14,300 jobs and contributes a total of 1.4 billion euros to the economy in Greece in 2022.
Ms. emphasized. Deligianni: “Our new study of the impact of cruise tourism on the local economy, with first-hand information directly from passengers, crew, businesses and tour operators, is important to understand the scale of the industry’s economic contribution. ”
In the same direction, CLIA informed the local authorities of Mykonos of the steps taken by the industry towards the green transition, including the development of shore energy support solutions, alternative fuels and on-board technologies to improve energy efficiency and reusability, recycle and reduce waste.
About the International Cruise Line Association (CLIA)
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the largest trade association of cruise ship owners, providing a unified voice and leading institutional body for the global cruise community. It lists 55 member cruise lines, including 303 ocean liners, representing 95% of the cruise sector. On behalf of its members and partners, the Organization supports policies and practices that promote a safe, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment, promoting positive travel experiences for millions of passengers. passengers who choose to cruise each year.
This year, CLIA predicts that the annual number of passengers worldwide will reach 35 million. The CLIA Community includes leading ocean, river and destination cruise lines, a trained and certified community of travel agents, suppliers and cruise partners from port and destination, shipbuilding, logistics and business services sector.