Greece’s Association of Cruise Ship Owners and Marine Agencies (EEKFN) announced that despite the country’s difficult economic situation, the capital controls and the political instability, the cruise market has managed to remain stable over the course of 2015. Furthermore, the association also estimated that given the current conditions, the market will also remain stable or even show growth in 2016.
The Association’s review stated that there had been no major losses at the beginning of the summer, especially compared to the significant drop that was forecasted after the imposition of capital controls and the political instability in the country.
EEKFN also pointed out the need for an adequate and appropriate port policy in an attempt to ensure competitiveness with ports in neighboring countries, to develop the Greek tourism industry and extend the cruise period.
Some of the key points mentioned in EEKFN’s report, in order to develop the cruise tourism industry are: less bureaucracy, simplified surveillance procedures of ships and travel documents, as well as a review of visas for visitors from non-Schengen countries.
According to the association, Greece must ensure its stability on an economic and political level, in order help in having a successful second half of the 2015 tourism season, and prepare for the next one.
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