Challenges in the Cruise Sector Amid Regional Instability
The cruise industry, a significant contributor to global tourism, has hit turbulent waters this year. The cruise sector losses are evident as tourist arrivals plummet, with the industry witnessing a stark decrease in cruise ships compared to the bustling activity of previous years. Limassol port, a hub for cruise activity, has felt the impact acutely. Last year’s impressive figures of 170 cruise ships bringing in 283,289 passengers stand in sharp contrast to this year’s modest count of 68 ships and an estimated 120,000 passengers.
The downturn is attributed to the ongoing conflict in Gaza that erupted in late 2023. The war has cast a shadow over the Eastern Mediterranean, prompting major cruise companies to bypass Israeli ports, once popular stops on their itineraries. This shift has directly affected Cyprus, particularly Limassol port, which served as a strategic intermediate stop for many voyages.
Despite the grim outlook for 2024, with only a handful of cruise ship arrivals expected during the summer months and 19 more in October, there is a glimmer of hope. The sea passenger routes between Cyprus and Greece, not included in the aforementioned figures, are set to commence on May 29, with bookings opening on April 17.
In response to the crisis, the Cypriot Government has taken proactive steps by forming a Cruise Tourism Working Group. This committee, led by Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis, aims to devise a comprehensive cruise tourism action plan. The group’s first meeting brought together various stakeholders to discuss the future of cruise tourism and develop strategies to enhance Cyprus’s competitiveness in this sector.
Hadjimanolis recently represented Cyprus at the European Summit during Cruise Week, sharing insights on decarbonising the cruise industry and promoting gender equality within it. Meanwhile, Akis Kelepesis of Top Kinisis expressed that despite the current setbacks, there is a strong interest in cruises from other ports, indicating potential for recovery if stability returns to the region.
As the committee works towards completing its action plan by September, there is a collective ambition to revitalize the cruise sector and once again make Cyprus an attractive destination for maritime travelers.
