Ladies and gentlemen,
It is an honor to be in Heraklion, a prime time to highlight Cretes beauty to the sea tourism community. Crete is a jewel of Europe, offering unforgettable experiences and hospitality. As the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, I see cruise tourism as a key element in our tourism strategy. It supports 10% of the EUs GDP and over 20 million jobs, fostering cultural bridges and mutual understanding.
Tourism in Europe hit record levels in 2024, with travelers spending nearly 3 billion nights in hotels, a 50% rise over 15 years. The cruise sector contributes significantly to the economy, with Greece seeing almost 5,500 cruise port calls in 2024, welcoming 8 million passengers. However, success brings responsibility, and we must enhance sustainability to keep Europe attractive.
Competitiveness and sustainability are interlinked. By adopting eco-friendly practices, the cruise industry can attract more environmentally conscious travelers. Interest in cruises has risen by 55% among young people, but so has concern for environmental impact. We address these issues with regulations like the EU Emissions Trading System and global agreements on reducing shipping emissions.
Port infrastructure and community impacts need attention. Ports, often near populated areas, must manage emissions effectively. Onshore power and waste treatment can mitigate negative effects. Our comprehensive EU Ports Strategy will focus on sustainability and competitiveness, ensuring modern and secure infrastructure.
Managing cruise passenger flows in destinations like Crete is crucial. We encourage off-season travel and better data for destination management. Some destinations implement visitor caps to avoid overcrowding. Open dialogue between cruise operators and local authorities fosters mutual understanding and innovative solutions.
The European Commission supports the sectors transition to sustainability, with funding from the EU Innovation Fund and Horizon Europe. Public funding must be complemented by private investments, facilitated by the ship financing portal. We aim for a competitive and sustainable cruise industry, benefiting passengers, the environment, and local communities.
Thank you.